Cornering is one of the most critical aspects of racing, whether you’re racing in a simulation game like iRacing or enjoying the high-speed thrills of Need for Speed. Proper cornering techniques can be the difference between a podium finish and a crash. Mastering cornering involves understanding braking, throttle control, and optimal racing lines. In this article, we’ll break down key tips and tricks to help you improve your cornering skills and race faster and more efficiently.
Know the Racing Line
The racing line is the fastest, most efficient path through any corner. It involves approaching the corner from the outside, clipping the apex (the innermost point of the turn), and exiting on the opposite outside. Understanding how to position your car relative to the track will help maintain the highest speed while turning.
Tip for Improvement:
- Approach the turn wide: Enter the corner from the farthest outside point to maximize your turning radius.
- Hit the apex: The ideal apex is the point where the car’s wheels are closest to the inside of the turn. This shortens the track length and allows you to carry more speed.
- Exit wide: As you exit, steer toward the farthest outside point of the track, giving your car more space to straighten out and accelerating smoothly.
The goal is to keep your car as straight as possible throughout the corner while also taking the optimal path.
Master Braking Techniques
Braking is crucial to cornering effectively. Braking too late or too early can result in losing control or not carrying enough speed through the corner.
Tip for Improvement:
- Brake before the corner: You should always brake in a straight line before entering a corner to avoid understeering or spinning out. Apply pressure progressively rather than slamming on the brakes.
- Trail braking: In some racing games, you can practice trail braking, which involves easing off the brake pedal as you enter the corner. This technique allows you to carry more speed through the turn without sacrificing control.
- Brake in the right spot: Look for braking markers on the track (like signs or trackside objects) to help you judge when to start braking. Consistent braking zones are key to improving lap times.
Experiment with braking distances and adjust based on your car’s behavior and the track layout.
Throttle Control Is Key
Throttle control is just as important as braking when cornering. Getting on the throttle too early or too aggressively can cause your car to slide out or lose grip.
Tip for Improvement:
- Apply throttle gradually: As you exit the corner, gradually apply throttle rather than slamming it. This will help you maintain traction, especially in tight corners.
- Avoid excessive wheel spin: If you’re driving a rear-wheel-drive car, be mindful of over-revving the engine. Applying too much throttle too soon will cause wheel spin and reduce your grip.
- Use the “smooth” throttle: In games with more advanced physics like Assetto Corsa or iRacing, smooth inputs on the throttle are essential to avoid losing traction. Think of it like a dance—smoothness is often faster than brute force.
Try to stay in tune with your car’s behavior, adjusting throttle input to keep the car balanced.
Work on Your Car Setup
Many racing games allow you to fine-tune your car’s setup. Adjusting things like suspension, tire pressure, and aerodynamics can have a huge impact on how your car handles through corners.
Tip for Improvement:
- Tire Pressure: Lower tire pressures can provide more grip but might cause more wear, while higher tire pressures result in faster wear and less grip. Finding a middle ground is key.
- Suspension settings: A stiffer suspension setup can help with high-speed corners but might cause the car to understeer in slower corners. Softer setups can help in tight turns but may lead to instability at higher speeds.
- Aerodynamics: Adjusting downforce can make your car more stable at high speeds and through corners. A higher rear wing provides more grip in corners, but it also reduces top speed.
Experiment with different setups and track conditions to find the ideal balance for each track.
Practice Weight Transfer
Weight transfer refers to how your car’s weight shifts during braking, turning, and accelerating. Learning to control the weight transfer effectively can help you gain more grip and stability through corners.
Tip for Improvement:
- Smooth inputs: Sudden steering or braking inputs can cause unwanted weight shifts, making your car unstable. Practice smooth transitions between braking, turning, and accelerating to maintain control.
- Anticipate the corner: Begin braking early enough to avoid transferring too much weight to the front of the car, which could lead to understeering. Also, gradually transfer weight to the rear when accelerating to avoid wheel spin.
- Use weight transfer to your advantage: When exiting a corner, applying throttle early will shift weight to the rear tires, increasing traction and helping you exit faster.
Conclusion
Cornering is an art, requiring a combination of skill, timing, and precision. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced racer, improving your cornering skills is essential for faster lap times and better race finishes. By mastering the racing line, improving your braking and throttle control, fine-tuning your car setup, and practicing advanced techniques like weight transfer, you’ll quickly notice improvements in your lap times and consistency. So, hit the track, put these tips into practice, and watch your cornering skills soar to new heights.
