trail braking
Braking into turns
Trail braking is a driving technique used in motorsports and performance driving where the driver continues to apply brake pressure while beginning to turn into a corner, then gradually releases the brakes as steering input increases.
This transfers weight to the front tires, improving grip and allowing for later, more aggressive braking.
The technique requires precise coordination and is essential for competitive racing, distinguishing skilled drivers from novices.
He used trail braking to carry more speed through the chicane.
Redistribution of mass between supports
- front-loadConcentrate at beginning
- tire gripWheel-to-road friction
- tractionAdhesive friction enabling movement
- understeerFront-wheel traction loss
oversteer · yaw · rotation · stability · downforce · body roll · pitch
Varying signals to transmit
- decelerationDecrease in speed
- weight transferRedistribution of mass between supports
- turn-inSubmit or go sleep
- balanceSteadiness or amount owed
timing · smoothness · feel · finesse · coordination · footwork · sensitivity · judgment
Uppermost point or culmination
- turn-inSubmit or go sleep
- racing lineOptimal path through corners
- rotationTurning on an axis
- radiusCenter-to-perimeter distance
hairpin · chicane · switchback · sweeper
weight transfer
Redistribution of mass between supports
- front-loadConcentrate at beginning
- tire gripWheel-to-road friction
- tractionAdhesive friction enabling movement
understeer · oversteer · yaw · rotation · stability · downforce · body roll · pitch
modulation
Varying signals to transmit
- decelerationDecrease in speed
- weight transferRedistribution of mass between supports
- turn-inSubmit or go sleep
balance · timing · smoothness · feel · finesse · coordination · footwork · sensitivity · judgment · calibration
apex
Uppermost point or culmination
- turn-inSubmit or go sleep
- racing lineOptimal path through corners
- rotationTurning on an axis
radius · hairpin · chicane · switchback · sweeper
heel-toe
Sequential foot-strike pattern
- downshiftChange to lower gear
- lap timeDuration of one circuit
- qualifyingMeeting required criteria
circuit · slicks · tire wear · hot lap · time attack · Formula 1 · MotoGP · karting · rally · GT racing