What is cornering?

Cornering refers to the technique used by drivers to navigate a turn or bend in the road while maintaining control and minimizing the loss of speed. Effective cornering is crucial in various motorized sports, such as car racing and motorcycle riding, as well as everyday driving.

Here are some key points about cornering:

1. Line selection: The ideal line through a corner is the one that allows for maximum grip and the smoothest trajectory. It usually involves following the apex, which is the point in the turn where the vehicle is closest to the inside of the corner.

2. Braking before the turn: Braking before entering a corner helps reduce speed while the vehicle is upright, allowing for better stability and control. It is important to start braking early enough, gradually releasing the brake pressure as the corner approaches.

3. Downshifting: Downshifting before a corner ensures that the engine is in an appropriate gear to accelerate smoothly out of the turn. This technique is commonly used in manual transmission vehicles, but automatic vehicles can also benefit from downshifting if the driver has control over gear selection.

4. Apexing: Apexing is the act of hitting the inside of the corner at or near the apex. A late apex strategy allows for a wider, more flowing entry and exit of the corner, while an early apex strategy focuses on getting to the apex as soon as possible. The chosen apex strategy depends on the nature of the corner and the driver's objective.

5. Throttle control: To maintain control and maximize grip, drivers need to apply the throttle smoothly and progressively throughout the turn. Accelerating too abruptly can cause loss of traction, while not applying enough throttle can result in understeer or the vehicle pushing wide.

6. Weight transfer: When cornering, the vehicle's weight shifts from the outside wheels to the inside wheels. Understanding weight transfer dynamics is essential for maintaining traction and stability. Braking and accelerating affect weight transfer, so drivers need to modulate these inputs accordingly.

7. Visual focus: Looking ahead and scanning the road is crucial for anticipating and adjusting to the road conditions and upcoming turns. By looking through the corner and focusing on the direction of travel, drivers can better judge their positioning and make smoother adjustments.

8. Practice and experience: Cornering is a skill that improves with practice and experience. Learning to feel the vehicle's limits, understanding its handling characteristics, and adapting to different road and weather conditions are essential elements of becoming a proficient cornering driver.

It is important to note that cornering techniques should always be applied within legal and safe driving practices, and specific guidelines for cornering may vary depending on vehicle type and road conditions.