Why do racing lines matter?

Physics explains that in a turn, the faster the speed, the larger the radius of the turn. Therefore, if the center of the corner is inside the track, the fastest speed through the corner is achieved at that point. This is why the “outside-in” principle is emphasized.

All non-combination corners usually follow the “outside-in” principle, which is the first principle. This is also a common method for drivers to find the racing line.

With a day's practice, an amateur driver can find the exact racing line, apply the “Outside-Inside” and make minor adjustments in consecutive turns.

In successive corners, the first corner still needs to be “outside-in” to ensure the highest entry speed, and the exit position will be decided according to the actual situation of the next corner. The second principle: enter the turn in order to prepare for the exit.

By following these two principles, the racing line can be found. When studying the track map, it is also important to pay attention to the width and total length of the track. It is not recommended to study the braking points at the beginning because the track conditions are variable.

Racing lines can change due to external conditions such as track, temperature, and tire grip changes. A perfect racing line is almost impossible to achieve, and the optimum is no oversteer or understeer. In fact, drivers need to be sensitive to many factors and find the best line through constant practice and summarization.