Taking the Corner Fast

Track corners - taking the corner fast

Please read - the racing line before looking at this section.

By this point you will have decided the best line to take through the corner, now it's just a matter of learning the technique to take your car through the corner as fast as possible.

For the purpose of explanation, the corner (including the sections of track immediately before and after) has been divided into four zones which are shown in Figure 1:

• Acceleration zone (prior to cornering)
• Braking zone
• The corner itself (further divided into sections shown in Figure 2)
• The straight following the corner

Figure 1: The various zones of a corner

Acceleration zone:

To get the best times on the track you need to be either accelerating or braking at all times while on the straights – any coasting means you're losing precious seconds! Try to accelerate all the way up to the braking zone, and then apply the brakes hard at your pre-determined braking point (refer to the braking section for more information on the technique).

Braking zone:

Due to the forward weight transfers, there is a possibility that you may lock up one or more wheels (or activate ABS) under braking, but as you're travelling in a straight line this will not necessarily cause any detrimental effects. Ensure that you have come off the brakes, or reduced braking to a minimum at the turn in point. If you're car has a tendency to understeer, keeping a gentle application of the brakes during entry to the corner (trail braking) may help keep you on line. As you learn the track you will be able to further reduce the braking point.

Turn in point:

When turning in, ensure your steering motion is smooth and progressive. The perfect corner involves tightening the steering until the apex and then gradually unwinding the steering lock.

Figure 2 breaks the corner down into the key sections – the quarter, half way and two third points.

Figure 2 the four sections of a corner

Quarter of the way around the bend:

By this point, the rule of thumb is to position your car in the centre of the track. Use a light throttle to keep the car neutrally balanced (i.e. neither accelerating nor decelerating), and prepare to increase throttle progressively as you progress through the corner.

The half way point:

Remember, the racing apex to the corner will not necessarily be at the geometric half way point. Try to keep some room left on the inside of the bend to move into at the apex.

Two thirds round:

The apex point. Remember the two thirds guide is not a hard and fast rule, but if you apex in this zone you will find that you have got most of the cornering out of the way and will be able to put on the power sooner than an when using early apex point.

General note:

All of the above guidance depends on your driving style and the car you're using. You will not be able to use all the power of a Bugatti Veyron or McLaren F1 until you're completely in a straight line, however if you're in a lighter less powerful car you can apply the gas much closer to the apex point.

It's very rare to achieve the perfect corner, it takes knowledge of the track and the car and a great deal of practise!