Want to cut seconds off your lap times? Knowing the ideal racing line is the difference between fighting for position and watching faster drivers disappear. This guide covers the physics, practice, and training methods that make a fast line repeatable. You can test every concept in our simulator right away.
Tip: start with the Hairpin Racing Line Simulator to see how turn-in, apex, and exit angle change your corner time.
What is the ideal racing line?
The best racing line is the fastest route through a corner that maximizes available grip. It is usually the widest arc you can take, not the shortest path. A tight radius eats up grip and forces you to slow more; a wider, smoother arc spreads the direction change over more distance so you can carry speed.
The traction circle: your grip budget
Tires share grip between braking, turning, and acceleration. A good line is simply a plan for spending that budget:
- Brake hard in a straight line.
- Trail brake as you add steering.
- Roll back on throttle as you unwind the wheel.
Use telemetry to check: are you reaching full brake without locking, and is your throttle trace clean from the apex out?
The four phases of a great corner
- Braking point: brake straight, using consistent references (boards, shadows, kerbs). Move it later only after you are consistent.
- Turn-in: wait until the car is settled. Early turn-in = early apex and running wide.
- Apex: most slow corners want a late apex (around 60-75% through the corner) to maximize exit.
- Exit: use all the track and get on power early. “Slow in, fast out” wins most time.
Adjust your line by corner type
- Fast sweepers: favor a geometric, flowing line to keep momentum.
- Hairpins: late apex, V-shaped line: brake early, rotate, then full drive off. Test it in the simulator.
- Linked corners: sacrifice the first to nail the exit of the one leading to the longest straight. Work backward from the key exit.
Training in popular sims
- iRacing: compare telemetry with faster drivers; study brake points and throttle traces.
- Assetto Corsa Competizione: rely on strong force feedback to feel grip build; practice consistency with tire temps in mind.
- F1 24: turn off the racing line assist once you have basics and experiment with variations to learn why the suggested line works.
Common mistakes (and fixes)
- Early apex: push the apex later and watch for a green delta on exit.
- Over-late braking: start at 90% brake pressure and build up; locking costs more than braking a meter earlier.
- Too much steering: be smooth; jerky inputs burn grip.
- Ignoring exit: plan from the speed you want at exit and work backward to turn-in.
New track? Find the line fast
- Study the layout and mark the three corners that feed long straights.
- Watch a fast lap or AI run and copy conservatively.
- Use ghost or telemetry overlays to spot differences.
- Improve one corner per session, not all at once.
- Record brake point, apex position, and throttle pickup for memory you can reuse elsewhere.
Advanced techniques that gain time
- Trail braking: taper brake pressure while turning for rotation.
- Kerb management: widen the line with friendly kerbs, avoid ones that unsettle the car.
- Tire prep: warm tires on out-laps; hotter rubber lets you raise apex speed immediately.
Tools and links to level up
- Practice line changes in the Hairpin Racing Line Simulator.
- Sharpen launches with the Racing Start Simulator to keep delta green after corner exit.
- Dig into data with our telemetry primer: Sim Racing Telemetry for Beginners.
Your next step
Pick one slow corner you struggle with. Move your apex a touch later, compare the delta, and repeat until it sticks. Share your best approach and times; we are keen to see which line works for you.
Need feedback on your line? Drop us a note via the contact form. See you on the grid.