When you approach a corner you know instinctively that you need to be on the outside of the corner, instead of the inside of the corner. Why? Because if you were on the inside of the corner you'd have to turn the wheel much more to get around the corner successfully. The further to the outside of the corner that you go before you turn the steering wheel gives you the luxury of a reduced steering angle. As we've learnt before, if the car is able to apply less of the tyres grip to lateral forces (due to more steering rotation) than to longitudinal forces (the car's ability to accelerate) then we reduce the segment time.

The question is how far we can push this knowledge.

It is important to know the race day rules. How many tyres are allowed off circuit (normally crossing the white line, or kerb)? What is the traction like 'off track', is it bumpy, slippery? Are the kerbs aggressive or smooth? Do you have a quick combination coming up that means that using the width is less important that setting your car up correctly for the corner exit?

This is where practice comes in.

The driver needs to test all this factors. Push the track limits, tweak their suspension, adjust for seasonal weather differences. To start your training, head wide on the entry to the corner, ride the kerb and feel how the car handles. Log all that useful information in your memory bank and then turn in for the apex. The next question to ask yourself is how early can I get on the power -- without having to release the throttle -- and use the full width of the exit of the corner. Finally ask yourself are you using the width of the exit because that is the limit of your cars traction with the speed you are going. Or are you just going through the motions of 'using the track'. This might sound this a small point however, know that you are really are pushing the car and you are on the edge of your seat as to whether you'll get round the corner is key.

In the corner entry telemetry racing line, it is clear to see that the reference lap is using more of the width of the track. They are taking full advantage of the track limits and riding the kerb. Also, note how the orange line is slightly drifting towards the corner before their prominent turn in. In the corner exit scenario in the right hand diagram again the orange line is failing to use the full width of the track and is thus having to deploy more lateral grip with the tyres than the reference lap which will be accelerating faster out of the corner.