Cornering is one of the most crucial aspects of fast lap times on the track. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an experienced racer, mastering cornering techniques can drastically improve your lap times. A smooth, controlled turn can shave off valuable seconds, while a poorly executed corner can cost you not only time but also precious tyre wear. In this post, we’ll break down some key cornering techniques and how to apply them for faster, more efficient laps.
Why Mastering Cornering Techniques is Crucial for Lap Times
In motorsport, corners make up the majority of the track. If you’re losing time in the corners, you’re losing time in your overall lap. It’s not just about straight-line speed; how well you navigate those turns determines your overall performance. Mastering cornering techniques helps you maximise your car’s grip, preserve tyre life, and optimise the car’s balance for the fastest laps.
Key Cornering Techniques for Mastering Faster Lap Times
To master cornering, there are several fundamental techniques every driver needs to understand and execute properly. Let’s dive into the essentials of mastering cornering techniques.
1. Braking Before the Turn: Essential for Mastering Cornering Techniques
Proper braking is essential to cornering fast. The goal is to brake hard enough to slow your car down before you turn, without overshooting the corner. The trick is to brake in a straight line (before the corner) and then ease off as you start turning.
- Late Braking: For some corners, a technique called “late braking” can help you carry more speed into the corner. But it requires great precision to avoid overshooting the turn.
- Threshold Braking: This is when you brake as hard as possible without locking up the tyres. Proper threshold braking helps you achieve maximum braking power while retaining control.
2. The Racing Line: Key to Mastering Cornering
The racing line is the most efficient path through a corner. It’s the line that allows you to carry the most speed and maximise grip. To take the perfect racing line:
- Enter Wide: Begin by entering the corner from the outside. This gives you the widest possible arc, allowing for the most speed.
- Apex: This is the point where you’re closest to the inside of the corner. By hitting the apex at the right moment, you can begin accelerating out of the turn earlier.
- Exit Wide: After hitting the apex, steer back out to the outside of the track to prepare for the next corner.
3. Throttle Control: Perfecting the Mastery of Cornering
Throttle control is just as important as braking. In corners, you should be mindful of how you apply the throttle to avoid losing traction.
- Trail Braking: As you turn into the corner, easing off the brakes while starting to apply the throttle is known as trail braking. This technique helps you balance the car’s weight and allows for quicker acceleration out of the corner.
- Smooth Throttle Application: Sudden throttle inputs can cause the tyres to lose grip. Smoothly apply the throttle as you exit the corner, gradually building up speed to prevent understeer or oversteer.
4. Weight Transfer and Car Balance: A Key Element in Mastering Cornering
Understanding how your car’s weight shifts during braking, turning, and accelerating can give you more control over your vehicle. The key is to maintain a balanced car:
- Brake Bias: Make sure your braking system is balanced to avoid locking up any tyres. Uneven braking can cause instability, leading to loss of traction.
- Use of Suspension: Upgrading your suspension with brands like Bilstein or KW Suspensions can help maintain car balance during cornering by reducing body roll and ensuring better tyre contact with the road.
5. Practice Makes Perfect: Mastering Cornering Techniques Through Repetition
Cornering is all about timing and feel, and the best way to improve is by putting in the practice. The more you practice each cornering technique, the more natural it will become. Familiarise yourself with each track and its corners to know how best to tackle them.
FAQ: How to Improve Car Performance?
What are some benefits of car performance upgrades?
Upgrading your car’s performance can lead to faster lap times, better handling, increased power, and improved fuel efficiency. Performance upgrades like suspension kits, exhaust systems, and lightweight wheels can also enhance your car’s overall driving experience.
How do performance upgrades help with cornering?
Performance upgrades like RacingLine suspension components, Brixton Forged wheels, and Capristo Exhaust systems provide better grip, stability, and weight distribution. This allows your car to hold the racing line better and navigate corners more effectively.
Why is car balance important for cornering?
Maintaining a balanced car is essential to avoid oversteering or understeering during a corner. Upgrades like IPE Official exhausts, which reduce weight, or better suspension components, help maintain balance by lowering the centre of gravity and improving weight transfer.
Additional Cornering Tips for Mastering Faster Laps
- Stay Relaxed: Tension in your arms, legs, or body can reduce your reaction time and hinder your control over the car.
- Track Day Events: Participating in track days or performance driving schools can help you fine-tune your cornering skills with expert advice and real-world practice.
Conclusion: Mastering Cornering Techniques for Faster Lap Times
Mastering cornering techniques is one of the most effective ways to improve your lap times. By perfecting braking, throttle control, the racing line, and car balance, you can shave seconds off your lap times and become a faster, more efficient driver. For car enthusiasts and racers looking to fine-tune their cornering abilities, investing in high-quality performance parts such as BC Forged wheels, Ryft car components, and suspension upgrades can make all the difference.
Want to upgrade your car for better cornering? Check out Eldens Autobahn (EA) Performance for the latest performance products and expert advice.