When it comes to motorsports, mastering cornering techniques in motorsports is one of the most important skills you can develop. Whether you’re racing cars, motorcycles, or go-karts, how you approach and navigate corners can make or break your performance. The ability to take a corner smoothly and efficiently not only improves your lap times but also helps you maintain control and avoid accidents. In this article, we’ll share several ways to practice cornering techniques in motorsports, allowing you to become a better driver or rider on the track.
Understanding the Basics of Cornering
Before we dive into ways to practice, it’s important to understand the basic principles of cornering. Cornering in motorsports involves slowing down before a turn, turning the vehicle or bike in the direction of the curve, and then accelerating out of the corner. Good cornering requires the right balance between braking, steering, and throttle control. Practicing these fundamentals will set the foundation for improving your cornering skills.
1. Focus on Proper Body Positioning
One of the first things you should work on when practicing cornering techniques in motorsports is body positioning. In cars, this means sitting properly in your seat, keeping a firm grip on the steering wheel, and positioning your body for maximum control. In motorcycle racing, body position is even more critical as it affects the balance of the bike.
For motorcycles, practice shifting your weight by leaning into the turn and maintaining a relaxed posture. In cars, try to keep your head and upper body aligned with the turn to allow for better control and smoother steering.
2. Practice Braking Before the Turn
Braking is a key element of cornering. One of the most effective ways to practice cornering techniques in motorsports is to focus on braking before the corner. Entering a turn at too high a speed can make it difficult to control the vehicle. The best approach is to brake early and firmly, then gradually release the brakes as you approach the apex of the corner. This technique, known as trail braking, allows for smoother turns and better stability.
On the track, find a safe area to practice braking at different points before entering a turn. Try different braking pressures and experiment with how your vehicle responds. This will help you better understand the braking zone and how it impacts your cornering.
3. Work on Throttle Control
Throttle control is just as important as braking when it comes to cornering techniques in motorsports. Applying too much throttle too early can cause the vehicle to lose traction and slide, while not applying enough throttle can result in a slow exit. The key is to gradually apply the throttle as you reach the apex and begin to exit the corner.
Practice smooth and controlled throttle application by first entering the corner with a steady, light throttle. As you start to straighten out, gradually increase throttle until you’re fully accelerating down the straight. This will help you find the right balance and improve your corner exit speeds.
4. Use Track Days to Practice
Track days are one of the best ways to practice cornering techniques in motorsports in a controlled environment. Many racing circuits offer track days where amateurs can bring their cars or bikes and practice on the track. These sessions typically allow you to focus on improving your cornering without the pressure of competition.
During track days, focus on one corner at a time. Break it down into smaller tasks—braking, steering, and throttle application. Repeat each corner multiple times to build muscle memory and improve consistency.
5. Take Cornering Lessons or a Driving School
If you want to take your cornering techniques in motorsports to the next level, consider taking a professional driving or racing school. Many schools offer courses focused specifically on cornering and handling techniques. Professional instructors can provide valuable insights into your technique, helping you identify areas for improvement that you might not notice on your own.
A driving school will often provide both classroom instruction and practical exercises on the track, allowing you to practice cornering under the guidance of experts.
6. Learn to Recognize the Apex
The apex is the point in a corner where you want your vehicle to be closest to the inside edge of the track. Recognizing the apex and making sure you hit it consistently is a key element of mastering cornering techniques in motorsports. Practicing the art of hitting the apex allows you to take a corner more efficiently and maintain your speed.
To practice, focus on hitting the apex while also maintaining good throttle and brake control. You can improve this by visualizing the ideal racing line as you approach each corner.
Conclusion
Mastering cornering techniques in motorsports takes time, patience, and practice. By focusing on key aspects like body positioning, braking, throttle control, and hitting the apex, you can improve your skills and become a more efficient and faster driver or rider. Whether you’re on the track or practicing with a simulator, consistently working on your cornering will help you develop better control, increase your speed, and ultimately improve your racing performance.
