Twin Ring Motegi East Course
Motegi East contains many of the same elements found on the Road Course, and as a result the same general techniques apply. Your car set-up and tuning will need to be different however due to the fact that the East Course contains only 2 long straightaways, as compared to 4 on the Road Course. The major variation between the two courses is found after the first turn, where a completely new section is formed that connects to the third straightaway on the Road Course. This section contains large variations in speed and if taken properly can give you an advantage over your competitors, so spend some time familiarizing yourself with turns 2, 3 and 4. The lap begins on the downhill straightaway that leads into a tight right hander that requires precise braking
Turn 1: Sharp Right Hander
Motegi’s East Course starts off with a long straightaway that leads into a sharp right hander (Turn 10 on the Road Course). Once again this turn will provide one of the best passing opportunities due to the high speed entrance, so choose your braking points wisely. Approach the turn from the left hand side while making an early turn in that will take advantage the downward slope. The early apex will allow you to hold the inside line and the slope will help you maintain traction throughout the turn. Late braking combined with an early entrance will help you decrease your overall lap time on this course.
Click here to watch a video demonstration of turn 1
Turn 2: High speed right hander
Once you enter the first underpass you will come up on a high speed right hander where your line will dictate the possible lines in the following 3 turns. This complex section of the track (turns 2, 3, and 4) will have a large impact on your overall lap time, so make sure to hit this first corner properly. This shallow right hander can be cleared very quickly, however if you run too wide to the left you will sacrifice speed and momentum going into turn 3, a very costly mistake when you consider the straightaway found after this section. Generally speaking you want to take this turn at a slower pace, while hugging the right side of the track. This will give you an ideal line for the next section that will benefit from momentum and speed. Aim for the inside rumble strip and slow down enough so that you can stay on the far right side of the track.
Click here to watch a video demonstration of turns 2, 3 and 4
Turn 3: Sweeping left hander
Turn 3 on Motegi’s East Course is a sweeping left hander with a slight crest. This turn will dictate how quickly you can clear turn 4, so it is important to approach this turn from the far right hand side of the track. You want to aim to the inside rumble strip, while slowing down enough so that you do not run to the outside. If you take this turn and head to the outside you will greatly increase your overall lap times due to the high speed chicane that follows. You want to make sure to hold the inside line (left side of the track) as you exit turn 3 and approach the next section in order to give you the best possible entrance and speed when tackling turn 4.
Click here to watch a video demonstration of turns 2, 3 and 4
Turn 4: High Speed Chicane
This crucial section of Motegi East will determine your overall speed going down the second straightaway and as a result it is important to maintain as much speed and momentum as possible. Your approach should be made from the left hand side with an early entrance to hit the rumble strip on the right. The first corner is very shallow and as a result you can take it at full speed depending on your car’s settings and handling characteristics. After the slight right hander you will immediately approach the sweeping left turn that leads onto the straightaway. The goal here is to maintain as much speed as possible, so a precise switch back will be beneficial. Aim to hit the inside rumble strip on the left hand side and let off the throttle as needed to avoid going out wide onto the grass. Due to the long straightaway following this complex section it is important to maintain as much speed as possible through turn 4.
Click here to watch a video demonstration of turns 2, 3 and 4
Turn 5: Sharp Late Apex Right Hander
Turn number 5 is a sharp right hander that can benefit from both late braking and a late turn in. Make your approach from the left hand side and make a late turn in that aims for the inside rumble strip. Once you hit the apex head towards the outside and hit the throttle. Combine late braking with a late apex to minimize the time spent on this turn.
Click here to watch a video demonstration of turn 5
Turn 6: High Speed Right Hander
Turn 6 on Motegi’s East course features a high speed right hander that can be taken at nearly full speed (once again depending on your car’s set-up and characteristics). Aim for the right hand rumble strip early and hold the inside line to avoid shooting out wide. If your turn in is too late you will be forced to get on the brakes loosing valuable time around the track, so make sure to get the timing for this corner down. You will naturally fade out wide once you pass the apex, so make sure to judge your speed and grip levels accordingly; if you feel you are going too wide let off the gas to prevent hitting the grass.
Click here to watch a video demonstration of turn 6
Turn 7: Combination S curve
After exiting the high speed right hander you will need to make a quick cut to the right side of the track to set-up for turn 7. Once you reach the right side of the track get on the brakes early in order to catch the inside rumble strip. Due to the slight crest on this turn it is important to maintain the inside line. If you fade out wide you will not only be forced to slow down, but your entrance into the second corner will also be negatively impacted. Once you clear the left hander make sure to stay to the far left hand side of the track as you approach the next turn. Make a slightly late entrance into the right hander and hold the inside line while accelerating towards the exit.
Click here to watch a video demonstration of turn 7
Turn 8: Sharp Left Hander
A quick cut over to the right will be needed to set-up for this sharp right hander. A late turn in is desired in order to maximize the amount of acceleration time on the straightaway. You should aim to hit the inside apex with a slightly late turn in once the track begins to curve left. Point your car towards the exit and slowly jump on the throttle as you begin moving towards the outside rumble strip. If done properly you can maintain a steady amount of acceleration that begins before you reach the inside rumble strip. On this turn it is very important to utilize the whole track surface in order to maintain momentum and speed that will carry you down the straightaway and in to the next section.
Click here to watch a video demonstration of turn 8
Turn 9: Right Hairpin
The final turn on Motegi’s East course is a right handed hairpin that requires a precise line if you are looking to maximize acceleration time on the front straight. A late turn in is desired and needed in order to achieve the highest possible speed going down the longest straightaway on the track. Approach the turn from the left hand side and make your late entrance on the edge of the track. Maintain a steady pace and turning radius until you reach the middle of the turn. At this point you will want to make a sharp cut to the right in order to point your car towards the exit. Once you are facing the exit hit the throttle while maintaining your line towards the outside rumble strip on the left hand side. The further towards the outside you go the slower your turning speed will be, however you will be able to begin accelerating much earlier. Due to the length of the front straight it is important to accelerate for as long as possible in order to maximize your cars top speed.
Click here to watch a video demonstration of turn 9
// Continue to the Motegi Super Speedway Track Guide //