Racing Line

What is the racing line?

The racing line is the path around a circuit that produces the fastest lap time when executed properly. Through a corner that means the largest possible radius to carry speed, combined with the shortest distance. The classic line runs from the outside to the apex and back out again — the famous outside-inside-outside. The real racing line, however, is more complex and depends on the sequence of corners.

Geometric versus real racing line

The geometrically shortest line is not always the fastest. For a single corner the largest radius may be optimal, but on a circuit you have to look at corners in combination. You often sacrifice the radius of one corner to get the next one right — especially when a long straight follows. A late apex before a straight is worth more than a perfect radius, because you can get on the power earlier.

Learning the racing line

Learning the line of a circuit takes time. Track maps and onboard videos help you prepare, but the real learning happens on track. In lead-follow sessions you follow an instructor who drives the optimal line. Lap by lap the reference points sink in: where to turn in, where the apex is, where to accelerate.

Racing line training at ESC

On ESC trackdays you learn the line from professionals who perfected it in racing. On the Nordschleife with its 73 corners, at Spa with Eau Rouge, at Boxberg — our instructors know every metre. Find the line that counts.