Chicane

What is a chicane?

A chicane is a corner combination made up of at least two quick changes of direction – typically left-right or right-left. Circuits build them in to cut speed, create overtaking opportunities or break up long straights for safety reasons. Chicanes demand fast direction changes, precise line choice and often a compromise at the apex.

Types of chicane

There are several types. Tight chicanes with sharp angles, such as the first corner in Montreal, require heavy braking. Flowing chicanes can be taken almost as an S-bend when grip is good. Braking chicanes at the end of long straights, as at Monza, are classic overtaking zones. The design of a chicane shapes the character of the whole circuit.

Technique in chicanes

The challenge is finding the right compromise: taking the first part perfectly often leaves you badly positioned for the second. A late apex in the first part is frequently better, because it opens up the exit of the second – especially when a straight follows. Changing direction quickly takes precision at the wheel; a Porsche with PDK has an advantage here over a manual gearbox.

Master chicanes with ESC

Chicanes are part of every modern circuit. At ESC track days you learn how to get through them efficiently – from the Bus Stop at Spa to the quick direction changes at Zandvoort. Our instructors show you the compromise that gives you maximum exit speed. Train on international circuits.