Why do riders take a line down a long straight that isn't just the exit of a turn, almost like a weave in. Consider the last turn to be in the same direction as turn 1. Example: Estoril at the last GP. Riders come out of Parabolica, a right hand turn and come in near the inside of track before weaving back out to enter turn 1, another right. Isn't that jsut adding distance? Almost looked like it cost Simoncelli 3rd place. I've seen it on racing video games too as the 'suggested ideal line' but never quite understood why
It's kinda hard to explain I guess. Have you raced before? (not trying to be an ass at all). It "flows" better.
I was wondering that too but on a whole train of riders they all took that same line, including riders who would have been far enough back to not get any effect fromt he draft.
I'm not fast by any stretch, but I'd think what you're describing has a sense of 'strategery' about it...and stuff.
If they don't get over to the inside of the track, what's the point of having a pit board when they can't see it?
Because if you enter the turn at the end of the straight on the inside line then you'll either go way wide on exit (and get passed) or you'll have to brake harder before turn-in, meaning the other guy will have more speed in the corner unless you block his line. It's not just about getting to the corners, it's about getting through and out of them as fast as possible. In other words, you're making the straight away less straight to make the corner more straight because it pays off bigger over the a whole lap.
I do it sometimes....has to do with braking. WHy would you do that for braking?? I bet you can figure it out
"Squaring off the turns" The faster you go through the turns the wider you will push exiting, staying wide will set you up for the next turn. The straight is the same distance from one end to the other, inside or outside, you will make it longer if you cut it diagonally, exit wide, stay wide, exit mid track stay mid and drift wide to square off next right hander.