Trail braking is an advanced driving technique where a driver continues applying brake pressure as they begin to turn into a corner, rather than completing all braking in a straight line before turning. This transfers weight onto the front tyres, increases their grip, and helps the car rotate more precisely through the corner apex. Done correctly, it allows the driver to carry more speed into the corner. It requires great sensitivity — too much braking mid-corner can cause oversteer and a spin.
Example: He’s using heavy trail braking into this slow hairpin — keeping the front loaded to rotate the car on entry.
Trail braking is not the same as late braking. Late braking delays the point of braking; trail braking extends braking pressure into the corner itself. They are different techniques often used together.
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