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Perfect Lines
Assuming that you are on track (since there are no speed limits, nor traffic that comes from the opposite direction), one of the main aspects for lapping fast, is to set a correct line or trajectory. Although you undoubtedly know well what it is, I still want to underline some aspects seemingly simple and logical, which is good to keep in mind just in order not to lose valuable time.
The track has to be considered as a single large lane and should be exploited for its entire surface, depending on the needs. Yes, even the curbs are track, they’re not intended to be avoided as if they were fire barriers, on the contrary they make possible the use of a portion of track “more” than normal. Doing the right attention that some do not also act as deterrents and are therefore too high (damaging the car) or slippery when wet (could cause a sudden loss of grip), curbs facilitate in setting up a proper trajectory, or that imaginary line to take for 3 basic reasons. Exploiting the perfect lane during a corner lets you use the smallest possible steering angle, to the benefit of the speed while entering, cornering and coming out. Distance plays an important role too, as you cut the longest portion with a maneuver which, starting from the outermost side will pass through the innermost point at the maximum usable speed. Just at the apex, you start to push the throttle, exploiting much space as possible on the way out, trying to gain speed as soon as you can. That’s where the curbs are useful out of corners and where they have to be used to the maximum. Let’s say that if you do not use ‘em all, you still have some gap and can push harder on the following lap.
If possible, go a few laps of the circuit slow, or even by foot, before getting out there with a knife between your teeth, it is helpful to take references and have some idea of the ideal trajectory. Recall also that in the case of two closely-spaced corners, you have to give much more importance to the second, sometimes sacrificing the ideal line of the first, and thus exiting the second with the car in the ideal point and at the most appropriate speed.
Alessandro Marrone
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