Outbraking

What is outbraking?

Outbraking is the racing technique of braking later than your rival in order to take a position before or during the corner. You use a later braking point as an overtaking window – the classic case being the end of a long straight, where top speed and braking precision turn into an opportunity.

When does outbraking work?

Outbraking needs a long braking zone, strong brakes (ideally PCCB), warm tyres, the right position and a rival who has already committed to the brakes. The classic overtaking zone at Hockenheim, the entry to the Bus Stop at Spa, La Source: wherever your rival has to brake, you can brake later and pull alongside.

Risks and limits

Outbraking is risky. You take the brakes to their limit, the car becomes unstable and you often lose mid-corner speed. If your rival answers with trail braking, or you simply overshoot, the move ends in a run-off excursion or in contact. On a track day, where there is no competition, outbraking has no place – in a race it is essential.

Learning outbraking with ESC

Outbraking is a professional technique. On ESC track days with experienced coaches you train the mechanics of braking late in a safe environment. Brake later, drive smarter.