Hairpin corners are one of the most challenging and thrilling aspects of motorcycle racing. They require precise timing, skillful braking, and smooth steering to execute successfully. In this ultimate guide, you will learn everything you need to know about hairpin corners, from the basics to the advanced techniques. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned racer, this guide will help you master the art of hairpin cornering and take your racing performance to the next level.
What you will learn:
What are hairpin corners and why are they challenging for racers
How hairpin corners have shaped the history and evolution of motorcycle racing.
How to adjust your speed, braking, and throttle control for optimal performance
How to position your body and bike for maximum stability and traction
How to avoid common mistakes and risks when negotiating hairpin corners
How to practice and improve your hairpin cornering skills on different tracks and conditions
So let's get right into it!
1. What are hairpin corners and why are they challenging for racers
A hairpin corner is a bend in a road with a very acute inner angle, making it necessary for an oncoming vehicle to turn about 180 degrees to continue on the road. It is named for its resemblance to a bent metal hairpin . Hairpin corners are common in mountainous terrain, where they allow easier and safer ascents and descents than a direct, steep climb and descent .
They are also usually found at the end of long straights, where riders can overtake by diving up the inside of a rival . Hairpin corners are challenging for motorcycle racers because they require full steering lock, precise braking, smooth throttle control and good traction.
The rider has to balance the forces of gravity, centrifugal force and friction to maintain the optimal line and speed through the corner.
The apex for the racing line is about three quarters of the way around the bend , which means the rider has to judge the entry speed and angle carefully to avoid running wide or losing time.
The rider also has to anticipate the exit speed and direction, as well as the position of other riders, to prepare for the next corner or straight. Hairpin corners are also opportunities for overtaking, but they can be risky if the rider is too aggressive or makes contact with another bike. A successful overtaking maneuver requires timing, skill and courage, as well as respect for the opponent.
Hairpin corners are therefore some of the most exciting and demanding features of a race track for motorcycle racers.
2. How hairpin corners have shaped the history and evolution of motorcycle racing
One of the most challenging and exciting aspects of motorcycle racing is the ability to tackle hairpin corners, which are sharp turns that bend about 180 degrees. Hairpin corners require extreme precision, late braking, early turn-in and smooth throttle control to maintain good speed and position. They also test the rider's skill in trail braking, which is the technique of applying slight brake pressure while leaning into the corner to reduce understeer and improve turn-in.
Hairpin corners have shaped the history and evolution of motorcycle racing by creating opportunities for overtaking, showcasing different riding styles and strategies, and pushing the limits of bike performance and design. Some of the most famous hairpin corners in motorcycle racing include Turn 11 at Laguna Seca, Turn 1 at Phillip Island, Turn 10 at Sepang and Turn 7 at Sachsenring.
These corners have witnessed some of the most memorable moments and battles in the sport, such as Rossi's pass on Stoner in 2008, Marquez's save in 2017, Lorenzo's crash in 2019 and Pedrosa's comeback in 2012. Hairpin corners are not only thrilling for the riders, but also for the fans who can witness the drama and skill of motorcycle racing up close.
Turn 11 at Laguna Seca is also known as the Corkscrew, a steep downhill left-right combination that drops 59 feet in elevation. It is one of the most iconic and challenging corners in motorsport, where riders have to brake hard while turning and then accelerate out of a blind exit. Rossi's pass on Stoner in 2008 was one of the most daring and controversial moves ever seen, as he cut inside the Australian on the dirt and took the lead.
Turn 1 at Phillip Island is a fast right-hander that leads into a long left curve called Southern Loop. It is a corner where riders have to balance speed and stability, as they approach it at over 300 km/h and then brake hard while leaning over. It is also a corner where many crashes have occurred, such as Lorenzo's highside in 2019 that ended his hopes of a podium finish.
Turn 10 at Sepang is a tight left-hander that follows a long straight and precedes another straight. It is a corner where riders have to brake late and turn sharply, while avoiding running wide or losing traction. It is also a corner where many overtakes have happened, such as Pedrosa's pass on Lorenzo in 2012 that gave him his first win of the season.
Turn 7 at Sachsenring is a slow right-hander that comes after a series of left turns. It is a corner where riders have to shift their body weight quickly and smoothly, while managing their throttle and brake inputs. It is also a corner where Marquez demonstrated his incredible bike control skills in 2017, when he saved a near-crash by leaning his elbow on the ground and regaining balance.
3. How to adjust your speed, braking, and throttle control for optimal performance
The first step is to approach the corner at a suitable speed, which depends on the angle, radius, and camber of the turn. A general rule of thumb is to use the highest gear possible without lugging the engine. This will give you more stability and smoother acceleration out of the corner.
The second step is to brake smoothly and progressively, using both the front and rear brakes. You should aim to brake as late as possible, but not so late that you overshoot the corner or lock up the wheels. You should also avoid braking while leaning, as this can cause the bike to slide or lose traction.
The third step is to release the brakes and lean into the corner, using your body position and steering input to guide the bike. You should look ahead and focus on the exit point of the corner, not the apex. You should also keep your knees and elbows relaxed, and your feet on the pegs.
The final step is to apply the throttle gradually and smoothly, as you exit the corner. You should avoid abrupt or sudden changes in throttle, as this can upset the balance of the bike or cause wheel spin. You should also avoid opening the throttle too early or too much, as this can make you run wide or lose control.
By following these steps, you can adjust your speed, braking, and throttle control for optimal performance in hairpin corners.
4. How to position your body and bike for maximum stability and traction
Hairpin corners are tight turns that require a precise and effective body position to maintain stability and traction on your bike. Here are some tips on how to position your body and bike for maximum performance in hairpin corners.
- Before entering the hairpin, move your butt to the inside edge of the seat and align your crotch with the edge of the seat. This will lower your center of gravity and increase your ground clearance.
- As you approach the hairpin, use a shallow line and trail brake into the corner. This will allow you to carry more speed and use less lean angle.
- Keep your hips perpendicular to the motorcycle and use your outer knee to lock into the tank. This will help you support your weight and avoid putting too much pressure on your arms .
- Position your shoulders and head inside and low, as if you are trying to kiss the mirror. This will help you look through the corner and keep your bike more upright .
- Be patient with the throttle and wait until you have a clear line to the apex and exit. If you get on the gas too soon, you may run wide and miss your apex.
- As you exit the hairpin, smoothly roll on the throttle and stand the bike up. Use your legs to lift your body back to the center of the seat.
By following these tips, you can improve your speed, safety, and line choice in hairpin corners.
5. How to avoid common mistakes and risks when negotiating hairpin corners
- Plan ahead. Look at the bend and assess your speed EARLY. You shouldn't be changing your speed mid-bend. Slow down BEFORE you reach the bend - give yourself extra time to look and observe.
- Use trail braking. Trail braking is a technique of gradually releasing the brakes as you lean into the corner, keeping some pressure on the front brake until you reach the apex. This helps you adjust your speed and line, manage gravity, and stabilize the bike.
- Choose the right line. The ideal line through a hairpin corner starts wide at the entrance, tightens to the apex, and then exits wide. This allows you to carry more speed into and out of the corner, and avoid running wide at the exit. Avoid early apexing, which means turning in too soon and missing the optimal line.
- Be patient with the throttle. Don't be too eager to get back on the gas in the middle of the corner before the line is properly set for the apex/exit. If you do, you'll have a hard time getting the bike back to the inside to hit your apex. Instead, wait until you see the exit of the corner, then gradually roll on the throttle as you stand up the bike.
- Look where you want to go. Your eyes are your best guide in a hairpin corner. Look well into the turn, at the corner exit, and follow your line with your eyes. Don't fixate on obstacles or hazards, such as guardrails or oncoming traffic. Keep your head up and your vision wide.
6. How to practice and improve your hairpin cornering skills on different tracks and conditions
Here are some tips on how to practice and improve your hairpin cornering skills on different tracks and conditions.
- Before you approach a hairpin corner, you need to plan your braking, downshifting and turning points. You should brake hard and early, using both the front and rear brakes, to reduce your speed and avoid locking the wheels. You should also downshift smoothly and progressively, matching the engine speed with the road speed, to avoid losing traction or stability.
- As you enter the corner, you should lean your body and bike towards the inside of the curve, keeping your eyes focused on the exit point. You should maintain a steady throttle and use the clutch to modulate the power delivery. You should also keep your knees and elbows bent, your feet on the pegs and your hands relaxed on the handlebars.
- As you exit the corner, you should gradually increase the throttle and straighten your body and bike. You should also shift up to a higher gear and accelerate smoothly out of the curve. You should avoid sudden movements or changes in direction, as they can upset the balance of the bike and cause a loss of control.
FAQ Section
- Q1: What is a hairpin corner?
- A1: A hairpin corner is a corner that turns about 180 degrees. It is one of the sharpest and most challenging types of corners in racing.
- Q2: How do I approach a hairpin corner?
- A2: You need to brake early and hard, and turn in at the correct point. You should aim for a late apex, which is about three quarters of the way around the bend. This will allow you to exit the corner with more speed and a straighter line.
-Q3: What should I be doing at the hairpin corner?
- A3: You should be off the brakes before turning into the corner, but you can use a slight brake pressure on entry to reduce understeer and provide a better turn in. This is known as trail braking. You should also be patient with the throttle, and wait until you have set your line for the apex and exit before gradually accelerating.
- Q4: How do I deal with downhill hairpin corners?
- A4: Downhill hairpin corners are more difficult because of gravity. You need to slow down more and hang onto the brakes a bit longer to manage your speed. You then gradually crack the throttle slightly for maximum stability. Be sure to look well into the turn, at the corner exit.
Summary
Congratulations on reaching the end of this article, where you learned everything you need to know about hairpin corners and how to master them. Hairpin corners are sharp turns that require skill, precision, and confidence to navigate. They are important for improving your riding abilities, increasing your speed i.e. cutting lap times, and enhancing your safety on the track.
In this guide, you discovered the best techniques for approaching, entering, and exiting hairpin corners, as well as some common mistakes to avoid. Whether you are a novice or a pro, you can use this guide as a reference to improve your riding performance and enjoy conquering one of the most feared parts of the track ; hairpin corners.
Faster. Better. Safer.
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