MotoGP is heading to Red Bull Ring for the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend. That means a return to high-speed racing and terrifying crashes at a circuit that has given us delightfully close races in the past.
In 2021, it gave us intense drama with the season’s best last 4 laps and in 2022, it gave us heartbreak with a last-lap fall from a podium spot for Jorge Martin. 2022 also saw the change of turn 2 at the circuit, with an extra left-hander added to slow down the drivers. The circuit consists of 10 turns, with turn 2 being a standout feature seen only in motorbike racing.
But if you’ve watched the races in the past and wondered how you would bag the perfect lap at Spielberg, we’ve got you! Here’s what you do to try to get the perfect lap at the Red Bull Ring –
Aim for a strong start and full throttle from the Start/Finish line till the first turn, the Niki Lauda curve. With almost an entire right angle, the curve is relatively simple. Brake early, go for a tight apex, get a clean exit and try to pull ahead.
Onto the long straight till turn 2a and 2b. The turn has a right-hander followed by a left-hander. Compromise the exit of 2a to get a relatively smooth entry for 2b.
The track then goes gradually uphill, leading to a slow right-hander at turn 3. The turn leads to the back straight, so a strong exit without losing any more speed than is necessary is critical to remain in the running. Go wide while going uphill, and then swing back onto the right-hand side to take the turn slowly.
Braking for turn 4 becomes tricky as you come downhill. Front brake locking is extremely common, and most drivers go end up going wide at the exit in a bid not to sacrifice too much speed. Try braking late to maximise the speed carried through the next few turns.
Turn 5 is a flat-out turn that does not require much setting up. However, it leads straight into turns 6 and 7, two back-to-back fast left-handers.
Brake early for turn 6 and hug the curb throughout the turn. Take the exit and go to the right edge of the track, just in time to return for the second left-hander at turn 7.
Turn 8 is another simple one, with a similar approach as Turn 5. Take it flat-out but keep in mind that it is slightly uphill.
The track remains uphill till turn 9, where it has a downhill right-handed turn. Take the turn easy, as this is another fast turn where losing control is possible. The exit will take you extremely wide, on top of the curbs.
Then go onto turn 10, another downhill right-hander. Get on the throttle early, set up a clean apex and push until the Start/Finish line.
You have now completed the first lap of the race. Get ready to do it all over again!
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