Handbrake Turns & Hairpins

Handbrake Turns & Hairpins

Mastering handbrake turns and hairpins is crucial for shaving seconds off your stage times, especially on tighter, technical tracks like those found in Argentina or the narrow forest roads of Finland. While it might seem counter-intuitive to slow down aggressively, a well-executed handbrake turn allows for a much faster exit speed than a conventional brake-and-turn maneuver.

Understanding the Handbrake Turn

The handbrake (often mapped to Square on PlayStation controllers, X on Xbox controllers, or a dedicated button/lever on PC setups) is not just for emergencies. It's a precision tool for rotating your car quickly around a tight corner. The key is to use it sparingly and with finesse.

When to Use It:

• Tight Hairpins: Corners with a very sharp angle (often indicated by a "1" or "2" call from your co-driver, sometimes with a "Hairpin" modifier).
• Sudden Direction Changes: Sections where you need to quickly reorient the car for the next sequence of turns.
• Low Grip Surfaces: On gravel, snow, or ice, the handbrake can be more effective than conventional braking for initiating rotation.

Executing the Perfect Handbrake Turn

This technique requires practice and a feel for your car's weight transfer. We recommend practicing in Freeplay Mode on stages like Las Juntas, Argentina, which features numerous tight hairpins.

1. Approach:
   • Brake Early: Before the corner, apply your main brakes to reduce speed to a manageable level. You want to be slow enough to make the turn, but fast enough to carry momentum through it.
   • Positioning: Aim for the outside of the corner entry. This gives you more room to swing the car around.
2. Initiate Rotation:
   • Steer In: As you approach the apex, turn your steering wheel sharply into the corner.
   • Tap Handbrake: Simultaneously, give a quick, firm tap on the handbrake button/lever. This locks the rear wheels, causing them to lose grip and the car to rotate around its axis. Avoid holding the handbrake for too long, as this will kill your momentum and potentially stall the car. A quick tap (0.5-1 second) is usually sufficient.
3. Manage the Slide:
   • Counter-Steer: As the car rotates, apply counter-steer (turn the wheel in the opposite direction of the slide) to control the angle.
   • Throttle Control: Gently apply throttle to pull the car through the turn and maintain momentum. Too much throttle too early will cause a spin; too little will bog down the car.
4. Exit:
   • Straighten Out: As the car aligns with the exit, gradually straighten the steering and apply full throttle.
   • Look Ahead: Always be looking at the next section of the track, not just the corner you're in.

Advanced Tips for Hairpins

• Car Choice: Rear-wheel drive (RWD) cars like the Ford Escort Mk II or BMW M3 E30 are generally more forgiving for handbrake turns due to their natural oversteer characteristics. All-wheel drive (AWD) cars like the Subaru Impreza S4 Rally or Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI can also perform them effectively, but require more precise timing and throttle control.
• Surface Awareness: On loose surfaces, the handbrake will have a more pronounced effect. On tarmac, it requires more speed and a sharper initial turn to break traction.
• Co-driver Calls: Pay close attention to your co-driver's calls. A "Hairpin Left" or "Hairpin Right" is your cue to prepare for this maneuver. They might also give a "Don't Cut" warning, indicating a dangerous inside line.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: The only way to truly master handbrake turns is through repetition. Don't be afraid to restart sections in Custom Event or Time Trial modes to perfect your technique on specific corners.