In motorcycle racing, Chicanes are sequences of tight turns on the track that require skill, precision, courage to navigate, and rapid dynamic movements since they aren't your simple corner that leads to a straight which you're almost sure to face on a Track Day. They can make or break a race, and they can test the limits of both the rider and the machine. But what exactly are chicanes, and how can you master them? In this blog post, we'll give you a full comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about Chicanes. You'll learn how to classify them, how to approach them, how to avoid common mistakes, emulating some of the best riders in the world. By the end of this post, you'll have a better understanding of what chicanes are, how they work, and how to conquer them. We're sure this guide will help riders of all levels improve their performance and enjoy the thrill of motorcycle racing. So suit up, rev up your engine, and let's go!🏁
What You Will Learn:
1. Types of chicanes: How to classify chicanes based on their shape, direction, speed, and difficulty.
Chicanes are sequences of two or more turns in opposite directions that require the rider to quickly change direction, speed and lean angle. Chicanes can vary greatly in their shape, direction, speed and difficulty, and each one requires a different approach and technique. In this section, we will explore the different types of chicanes and how to classify them based on these factors.
The shape of a chicane refers to the angle and curvature of each turn that makes up the sequence. There are three main shapes of chicanes: S-shaped, U-shaped and Z-shaped.
S-shaped chicanes are composed of two turns with similar angles and curvatures that form an S-like pattern.
U-shaped chicanes are composed of two turns with opposite angles and curvatures that form a U-like pattern.
Z-shaped chicanes are composed of two turns with different angles and curvatures that form a Z-like pattern.
The shape of a chicane affects the line, the lean angle and the speed that the rider can take through it.
The direction of a chicane refers to the orientation of each turn relative to the direction of the track. There are two main directions of chicanes: left-right and right-left.
Left-right chicanes are composed of a left turn followed by a right turn, while right-left chicanes are composed of a right turn followed by a left turn.
The direction of a chicane affects the entry, the exi,t and the transition that the rider has to make through it.
The speed of a chicane refers to the average speed that the rider can maintain through the sequence. There are two main speeds of chicanes: fast and slow.
Fast chicanes are composed of turns with wide angles and large radii that allow the rider to keep a high speed through them. Slow chicanes are composed of turns with tight angles and small radii that force the rider to reduce their speed significantly through them. The speed of a chicane affects the braking, the acceleration, and the traction that the rider has to manage through it.
The difficulty of a chicane refers to the level of skill and precision that the rider needs to successfully navigate through it. There are two main difficulties of chicanes: easy and hard. Easy chicanes are composed of turns with clear apexes, smooth surfaces, and ample run-off areas that give the rider plenty of room for error. Hard chicanes are composed of turns with hidden apexes, bumpy surfaces, and narrow run-off areas that punish any mistake by the rider. The difficulty of a chicane affects the risk, the reward, and the confidence that the rider has to balance through it.
Understanding these four factors, you can classify any chicane that you encounter on a track and adjust your strategy accordingly by going on a Track walk tour which is usually done and permitted just when the track has been opened, before any session begins( An official often accompanies the group on a Track walk and do ask him for his suggestions on the corners).
2. How to approach chicanes: Tips and techniques for braking, turning, accelerating, and positioning through different types of chicanes.
The first step to approach a chicane is to identify its characteristics. Is it a fast or slow chicane? Is it a left-right or right-left chicane? These factors will determine your braking point, your entry speed, your apex, your exit speed, and your line. ( see above)
A general rule of thumb is to brake as late as possible, but not too late that you overshoot the first turn. You want to brake hard and smoothly, releasing the brake gradually as you lean into the turn. You should aim for a late apex on the first turn, which means you should turn in later than usual and clip the inside curb at the end of the turn. This will allow you to straighten the bike as much as possible and prepare for the second turn.
The second turn is usually the most crucial one, as it determines your exit speed and your momentum for the next straight. You should try to carry as much speed as possible through the second turn, without compromising your line or your stability. You should aim for an early apex on the second turn, which means you should turn in earlier than usual and clip the inside curb at the beginning of the turn. This will allow you to accelerate hard and smoothly, using the full width of the track and maximizing your traction.
Depending on the type of chicane, you may need to adjust your positioning on the bike. For fast chicanes, you should keep your body position neutral and centered, avoiding unnecessary movements that could upset the balance of the bike. For slow chicanes, you should shift your body weight from one side to the other, helping the bike to change direction quickly and efficiently.
As with any skill, practice makes perfect. The best way to improve your chicane technique is to study the track layout, watch videos of other riders on that particular track on YouTube ( watch riders of slightly higher level than you, not highest level professional riders as it can be hard to effectively compare and see deficiencies in yourself), analyze your data and feedback with pit members or fellow riders in your group. Remember that every chicane is different and requires a specific approach. Experiment with different lines, speeds, and positions until you find the optimal one for each chicane.
To help you understand better how to approach chicanes, here are some additional tips that you can apply:
- Use reference points to mark your braking point, turning point, apex and exit point. This will help you be consistent and accurate in your execution.
- Use trail braking to control your speed and direction while leaning into the first turn. Trail braking is a technique where you keep applying some brake pressure after you start turning until you reach the apex.
- Use countersteering to initiate and control your lean angle. Countersteering is a technique where you push the handlebar in the opposite direction of the turn, creating a lean force that makes the bike lean into the turn.
- Use throttle control to modulate your speed and stability while exiting the second turn. Throttle control is a technique where you smoothly roll on and off the throttle, adjusting your acceleration and deceleration according to the situation.
(In-depth articles on these topics will be coming up soon!)
3. Common mistakes and how to avoid them: The most frequent errors that riders make when dealing with chicanes and how to correct them.
One of the most common errors is over-braking before entering a chicane. This can cause the rider to lose speed, momentum, and confidence, and make it harder to steer the bike through the chicane. To avoid over-braking, the rider should use a reference point for braking, such as a marker board, a curb, or a shadow on the track. The rider should also use progressive braking, applying more pressure as the bike slows down, and releasing the brake smoothly as the bike leans into the first corner.
Another common mistake is turning too early or too late for the first corner of a chicane. This can result in a poor line, a wide exit, or an off-track excursion. To avoid turning too early or too late, the rider should use a reference point for turning, such as a cone, a patch of grass or a crack on the track. The rider should also look ahead and visualize the ideal line through the chicane, aiming for the apex of each corner.
A third common error is not using enough throttle between the corners of a chicane. This can cause the bike to lose stability, grip, and speed, and make it harder to change direction for the next corner. To avoid not using enough throttle, the rider should apply a quick burst of throttle as soon as the bike is upright after the first corner, and then close the throttle and apply some brake before leaning into the second corner. This will help to lift the bike up, transfer some weight to the rear wheel, and increase traction.
A fourth common mistake is not moving enough body weight from one side to another during a chicane. This can cause the bike to lean more than necessary, reduce ground clearance, and increase steering effort. To avoid not moving enough body weight, the rider should shift their body position as soon as they exit the first corner, moving their head, shoulders, hips, and knees to the opposite side of the bike. This will help to reduce lean angle, increase ground clearance, and improve steering agility.
4. Examples of famous chicanes: A brief overview of some of the most iconic and challenging chicanes in the history of motorcycle racing.
The Casio Triangle at Suzuka: This is a tight right-left-right chicane that comes after a long straight and leads to the final corner of the track. It is a crucial overtaking spot and requires precise braking and turning. It is also the scene of some dramatic moments, such as the collision between Valentino Rossi and Sete Gibernau in 2001, or the last-lap battle between Kevin Schwantz and Wayne Rainey in 1991.
The Variante del Rettifilo at Monza: This is a fast left-right chicane that follows the main straight and precedes the Curva Grande. It was introduced in 1972 to reduce the speeds on the dangerous banking section, which was later abandoned. It is one of the fastest chicanes in the world, with riders reaching speeds of over 300 km/h before braking hard and flicking their bikes from side to side. It is also a common place for accidents, such as the fatal crash of Renzo Pasolini in 1973, or the pile-up of 12 riders in 2004.
The Nordkurve at Hockenheim: This is a slow right-left chicane that marks the end of the long back straight and the beginning of the stadium section. It was added in 2002 as part of a major redesign of the circuit, which shortened the original layout and eliminated the fast forest straights. It is a tricky chicane that requires good braking and acceleration, as well as avoiding the gravel traps on both sides. It is also a popular overtaking point, especially for MotoGP riders who can use their slipstream to gain an advantage.
Conclusion
Chicanes are one of the most fun parts of motorcycle racing if you understand them. They test the rider's skills, and reflexes, and often shake up static positions during a race. Whether they are fast or slow, tight or wide, left or right, chicanes require a precise and smooth approach to maximize speed and safety. In this blog post, we have covered the main types of chicanes, how to approach them, the common mistakes and how to avoid them, and some examples of famous chicanes in the history of motorcycle racing. We hope you have enjoyed this comprehensive guide and learned something new about Chicanes. Remember to practice your skills, follow the tips and techniques, and never stop improving!
If you have any doubts, suggestions, or topics you would like covered next please tell us! It would help us improve to better serve you. We'd love to hear what you say❤️
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