Cornering technique and grip | Line, vision and speed

Cornering overview

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

Further reading