Good cornering technique improves control and safety. Combine vision, braking, line and throttle to keep grip throughout the bend.
Core elements
| Element | What | How |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | Look where you want to go | Eyes up; through the corner to the exit |
| Braking | Reduce speed before the bend | Brake straight; release before apex |
| Line | Stable path | Wide in, hit apex, smooth exit |
| Throttle | Stabilise the car | Gentle throttle from apex |
See Grip and Speed and distance.
Apex and line choice
| Line | Characteristics | When it works |
|---|---|---|
| Early apex | Turns in early, risk of running wide | Avoid in blind or tight bends |
| Neutral apex | Balanced entry and exit | Dry, predictable roads |
| Late apex | Longer braking, later apex point | Poor grip, limited sight lines |
Speed and friction in corners
| Road condition | Recommended approach | Typical pitfalls |
|---|---|---|
| Dry asphalt | Maintain steady throttle, neutral apex | Entering too fast |
| Wet asphalt | Choose a late apex, reduce speed | Braking mid-corner, sudden inputs |
| Snow or ice | Very low speed, gentle steering | Abrupt steering or throttle |
See Driving in difficult conditions and Motorway driving for related scenarios.
Safety routines
- Test braking grip gently on a straight section
- Increase following distance before bends in queues and rain
- Finish downshifts and braking before the apex
- Hold the wheel at 9 and 3 o’clock for precision; see Steering grip and wheel control
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Entering too fast | Runs wide, loses line | Brake earlier, pick a late apex |
| Braking deep into the bend | Instability, ABS activation | Brake straight, release before turn-in |
| Looking too close to the car | Late reactions | Lift your vision to the exit |
| Throttle at the wrong time | Understeer or oversteer | Apply smooth throttle after the apex |