Turning the steering wheel is not enough: when cornering, different and contrasting physical forces must be managed. To best tackle every type of curve, it is necessary to know the trajectories, apply driving techniques, and correctly use hands, feet, and vision.
The first element to consider for approaching a curve in the most correct way is its radius: the maximum speed that can be maintained and the safest trajectory depend on the curve's radius. In fact, the centrifugal force acting on the vehicle is inversely proportional to the curve's radius, meaning: the larger the curve's radius, the smaller the effect of centrifugal force.
In a wide curve, the outward push is not very intense. It is tackled with a slight steering input and is not very demanding on the tires, which use little lateral grip to counteract its effects. The remaining grip budget (which is abundant) can therefore be “spent” on speed. On the Nardò experimental track (pictured), with a 2 km radius, cars can reach speeds exceeding 300 km per hour!
Conversely, the smaller the curve's radius, the greater the effect of centrifugal force. In a tight curve, the tires must use most of their grip capacity to effectively counteract the intense centrifugal force. Very little residual grip remains: the risk of overturning is high, and we must reduce speed.
Do you want to delve deeper into these topics and discover the correct trajectories and driving techniques to best tackle every type of curve? Read our manual Safe behind the wheel, available in paperback on Amazon and in both eBook and paperback versions on Lulu
