Trail Braking

What is trail braking?

Trail braking means not releasing the brake completely before the corner, but carrying brake pressure into it. Unlike the classic brake-first-then-steer approach you overlap braking and steering. You reduce brake pressure progressively as you turn in and release it fully only at or shortly before the apex. The result: more corner speed and better control of the car.

The physics behind trail braking

Under braking weight transfers to the front axle, so the front tyres have more grip. Trail braking lets you use that extra grip for turning in. At the same time the car rotates more easily around its vertical axis because the rear is unloaded. Releasing the brake at the apex moves the weight back and settles the car for the acceleration phase. It is a balancing act between maximum deceleration and cornering grip.

Learning trail braking

Trail braking is an advanced technique that needs practice. Beginners should first master the basics — braking point, racing line and vision technique. Then you gradually extend the braking phase into the corner. The key is sensitivity: too much brake pressure mid-corner leads to understeer, releasing too abruptly leads to oversteer.

Training trail braking at ESC

Our instructors — among them Le Mans winners and DTM professionals — show you how trail braking works and when it makes sense. With data analysis you see exactly where you brake and how your brake pressure develops. Advanced technique for ambitious drivers.