Late Apex

What is a late apex?

A late apex is a line on which you reach the apex later than on the geometrically ideal line. You brake deeper into the corner, turn in later, touch the inside further round and can therefore get on the power earlier. The result: a higher exit speed – decisive when a straight follows.

When is a late apex worth it?

Before long straights or fast following corners. Take a hairpin ahead of a high-speed section: you sacrifice mid-corner speed for a better run down the next straight. The maths works out – less time in the corner, more time on the quick part of the lap. In isolated corners with no straight afterwards, the geometric apex is often the better choice.

Late apex versus geometric apex

The geometric apex sits in the middle of the corner and maximises average cornering speed. The late apex sits further round and maximises exit speed. Which one wins depends on the sequence of corners. Professionals think in sectors rather than in single corners – they optimise the whole picture.

Practise the late apex with ESC

On ESC track days, coaches show you exactly where a late apex pays off on each circuit. With onboard analysis and professional lines you feel the difference immediately. Get out of the corner faster.