One commonly used technique is to feather the brakes while entering a corner, a method known as trail braking. This allows you to gradually increase the throttle at the apex. When done correctly, it creates a smooth transition between braking and accelerating, reducing the likelihood of unsettling the car due to unwanted weight transfer. Additionally, it helps keep more weight at the front of the vehicle for longer, providing better grip, improved turn-in, and reducing the risk of understeer.

Reducing patch contact loss through spinning wheels

In front-wheel drive applications, this technique is particularly useful if you don’t have a limited slip differential. A common issue is unladen front wheel spin (contact patch loss) when accelerating out of a corner. This wheel spin prevents you from transferring all the power to the road, reducing your exit speed. Feathering the brake with your left foot can reduce or even prevent wheel spin, resulting in a better exit from the corner.

Reducing pedal transfer time

Using your left foot to apply brake pressure reduces the time it takes to switch between the brake and throttle pedals compared to the traditional right foot method. When executed correctly, left foot braking can shave fractions of a second off lap times. However, this technique is incompatible with downshifting, which requires a different method known as heel and toe shifting.

Be Aware

Left foot braking is an advanced technique that requires extensive practice before mastering. When initially learning, there’s a tendency to brake too forcefully due to muscle memory, often pushing the pedal as if it were the clutch. It takes time to retrain your brain to overcome this impulse. It’s essential to practice in open areas or on a track for safety. Attempting to learn this technique on public roads is strongly discouraged.