How to take the perfect corner in Sim Racing ?
Taking the perfect corner in a sim racing game is a skill that requires a deep understanding of racing techniques, car dynamics, and precise control.
Here’s a complete step-by-step tutorial to help you master cornering.
Approaching the corner: the braking zone
- Identify the Braking Point: Before you enter the corner, determine where you need to start braking. This is typically marked by distance boards on the track. Brake early enough to ensure you have control, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the corner.
- Brake in a straight line: Apply the brakes firmly while your car is in a straight line. This maximizes braking efficiency and prevents the car from becoming unstable.
- Gradual brake release: As you approach the corner, gradually release the brakes (known as “trail braking”) to maintain balance and transfer weight to the front tires, giving them more grip for turning.
Entering the Corner: the Turn-In point
- Identify the turn-In point: The turn-in point is where you begin to steer into the corner. Turn in too early or too late, and you’ll miss the ideal racing line.
- Smooth steering input: Gently apply steering input as you approach the corner. Abrupt steering can unsettle the car, leading to understeer or oversteer.
- Maintain balance: As you turn in, avoid excessive braking or throttle inputs. Smoothness is key to maintaining balance and grip.
Apex: the tightest part of the corner
- Aim for the apex: The apex is the innermost point of the corner. Hitting it allows you to take the fastest line through the turn. Depending on the corner, the apex can be early, late, or in the middle.
- Light throttle: As you reach the apex, begin to apply light throttle. This helps to stabilize the car and prepares it for the exit of the corner.
Exiting the Corner: The Exit Point
- Smooth throttle application: As you pass the apex, gradually increase throttle to power out of the corner. Avoid sudden throttle inputs that could cause wheel spin or oversteer.
- Straighten the steering: As you accelerate, unwind the steering wheel to reduce cornering forces. This allows you to put down more power and maintain traction.
- Use the track width: Let the car drift out to the edge of the track on exit. Using the full width of the track maximizes your exit speed, setting you up for the next straight.
- Chicane: If the corner is a chicane, sacrificing the first apex slightly can give you a better line for the second turn.
Key concepts to master
- Racing line: The ideal path through a corner that allows the highest speed. It typically involves entering wide, clipping the apex, and exiting wide.
- Trail braking: A technique where you continue to brake as you begin to turn into the corner. This shifts weight to the front tires, increasing grip, but must be done with care to avoid overloading the tires.
- Throttle control: Precise throttle application is crucial. Too much throttle too early can cause the car to oversteer; too little can lead to understeer or slow exits.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Overdriving: Trying to take a corner too fast often leads to mistakes. Focus on smoothness and consistency first, then increase speed.
- Early throttle: Applying throttle too early can cause the car to lose grip and run wide on exit.
- Improper line: Missing the apex or not using the full track width compromises both cornering speed and exit speed.
Practice and refinement
- Consistency: Practice each corner repeatedly to build muscle memory and improve consistency. Focus on hitting your braking points, turn-in points, and apexes accurately.
- Data analysis: Use telemetry tools if available to analyze your speed, braking points, and throttle application. Identifying areas for improvement can help you refine your technique.
- Adaptation: Different cars and tracks require different approaches. Practice with various vehicles to understand how changes in car setup or track conditions affect your cornering.
Conclusion
By following all these steps of this sim racing corner tutorial, you will be much better at taking turns during your races and you will have better lap times. If in addition, you know how to overtake, how to defend your position, and have a well-tuned car, you will be unbeatable during your races.
