To take corners effectively on a track, a common and highly effective technique involves a specific sequence of braking, turn-in, and apex placement designed to maximize exit speed.
Mastering Track Cornering Technique
Optimal cornering on a race track isn't just about speed through the corner, but maximizing speed out of the corner onto the following straight. The strategy outlined below, often referred to as the late apex technique, is crucial for achieving this goal.
Key Techniques for Cornering
Based on proven principles, mastering corners involves a strategic approach to each phase:
- Brake Relatively Early: Begin your braking phase earlier than you might intuitively think. This allows you to reach your minimum speed early in the corner entry phase, setting you up correctly for the turn-in.
- Turn In Quite Late: Delay your steering input. Instead of turning towards the inside early, turn in later than the geographical center of the corner. This action is often described as 'squaring off' the entry, as it can make the corner entry path look sharper before straightening out on the exit.
- Apex Late: Hit the innermost point of the corner (the apex) later than you would with a traditional, symmetrical line. The ideal late apex is typically found around ⅔ – ¾ around the corner. This is perhaps the most critical element, as a late apex inherently opens up the corner exit.
Benefits of the Late Apex Approach
Employing a late apex strategy provides significant advantages for track driving:
- Opens Up the Exit: By delaying the apex, your car's trajectory naturally points further down the subsequent straight upon reaching the exit.
- Get the Car Straighter Sooner: The path facilitated by a late apex allows you to unwind the steering earlier as you exit the corner.
- Full Acceleration Early: With the car straighter and pointed correctly down the straight, you can apply full throttle earlier and carry more speed onto the next section of the track.
This sequential strategy shifts the focus from carrying maximum speed at the apex to carrying maximum speed from the apex onwards, which is where time is gained or lost on a lap.
Cornering Phases Summary
Here is a simplified view of the key actions during the cornering process using this technique:
| Phase | Action | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Brake Relatively Early | Slow down effectively; set minimum speed |
| Turn-In | Turn In Quite Late | 'Square off' entry path; prepare for apex |
| Mid-Corner | Hit Late Apex | Position car for optimal exit |
| Exit | Accelerate Early | Maximize speed onto next straight |
Understanding and practicing this technique is fundamental to improving lap times on a track. It prioritizes a strong exit over a fast entry or mid-corner speed, as exit speed dictates entry speed into the next corner.
For further reading on different cornering techniques, you can refer to sources like Driver61.
