Twin Ring Motegi Road Course
Twin Ring Motegi is a professional racing circuit located in Motegi Japan that contains 3 variations of its Road Course, as well as a 1.5 mile oval track. Created in 1997 by Honda, Twin Ring served not only as a testing ground but also as a competitive area for the major racing circuits to compete in Japan. With its versatile construction and design, Motegi allows for a wide variety of cars to compete together at the same time creating exciting and intense match-ups. The Road Track is designed with 3 different variations, all of which have distinct characteristics that make for a unique racing experience.
The Road Course will test both the drivers abilities on the track and in the tuning garage due to its unique layout. With multiple straightaways leading into tight hairpin turns, it is a course that can be approached in many different ways. A car with lots of power is beneficial due to the straightaways, however braking also plays a major role when considering the track layout. Experiment with different tuning set-ups in order to discover a car combination that is well balanced and can successfully compete on this Road Course. The track begins on the front straightaway, as drivers will fight for position before entering turns 1 and 2.
Turn 1 and 2: Double-Apex Right Hander
The first turn on the Motegi Road Course is a double-apex right hander surrounded by straightaway’s making this a vital section of the track. Precise braking is required to maintain maximum speed through the corner and on to the second straight. The turn in should occur slightly late as it will allow you to get on the brakes later when entering the turn. Once you have slowed down to the optimal speed make sure to hit the outside clipping point as shown in the video. This will allow you to get on the throttle as early as possible to maximize your speed going down the second straightaway and into the second corner. Once you reach the outside clipping point try to hit the second apex early and stay on the throttle for the entire duration of the exit. This will give you a high exit speed going on to the second straightaway. The outside clipping point and second apex should be the main targets when tackling this section. Check out the video below for a demonstration of how this is done.
Click here to watch a video demonstration of turns 1 and 2
Turn 3 and 4: Double Apex Left Hander
The second turn is similar to turn 1; however the approach is different. Late braking can cause you to lose time when you consider the corner exit leads on to another long straightaway. When approaching this section from the right side of the track, try to hit the first apex with an early turn in while maintaining adequate speed. The shallowness of the turn requires an early entrance not only to set-up for the second portion, but also to maintain momentum and speed. Once again aim for the outside of the track before cutting back to the left. The approach for the second apex is important as cutting in too early can result in a line that suddenly approaches the outside of the track towards the dirt. Aim to cut left just before you reach the end of the rumble strip on the right hand side. Accelerate as much as possible after making the left hand cut and you will exit the corner with good speed that will carry you into turn 5. The video below will illustrate this strategy for you.
Click here to watch a video demonstration of turns 3 and 4
Turn 5: Sharp Late Apex Right Hander
Turn number 5 at Motegi is a sharp left hander that requires a late turn in and as a result can also benefit from late braking. You should aim to cut to the right before you reach the end of the rumble strip on the left hand side of the approaching straight. Once you have turned in aim for the inside rumble strip and jump on the throttle once you hit the apex for a quick exit. If done correctly you can brake late, yet still maintain enough speed to clear the corner quickly.
Click here to watch a video demonstration of turn 5.
Turn 6: High Speed Right Hander
The first high speed corner on the track resides at turn 6, where your turn-in timing and throttle control will come in handy. If taken properly turn number 6 can be executed at full throttle depending on the cars layout and handling characteristics. Try and aim for the inside rumble strip as early as possible while holding the inside line for maximum speed and momentum heading towards the exit. There is room on the left side at the exit so make sure to capitalize and use the entire track available. This is where throttle control comes into play as you will need to judge how far you can push towards the outside without hitting the grass.
Click here to watch a video demonstration of turn 6.
Turn 7: Combination S curve
The high speed exit from turn 6 will put you on the left side of the track, so a quick cut to the right is needed to set-up for the entrance into turn 7. Once you reach the right hand side of the track get ready to jump on the brakes early enough so that you can catch the inside of turn 7. There is a slight crest on the first left hander, so hitting the inside line is important so that you do not fade to the outside and lose valuable time. An outside line will also have a negative impact on your entrance into the following right hander, so make sure to hit and maintain the inside line until the transition point where you will cut back to the right. In order to maximize your speed through the second corner, set up on the far left of the track and make a slightly late entrance. This late entrance will allow you to accelerate through the turn as you move towards the inside apex. Once you reach the end of the rumble strip you will start heading towards the outside, so once again gauge your speed and try to use the whole track surface.
Click here to watch a video demonstration of turn 7.
Turn 8: Sharp Left Hander
After you exit from turn number 7 you will need to once again shift over to the right hand side of the track to set-up for turn 8. This turn benefits from a late turn-in that will allow you to clip the apex while hitting the throttle early enough to carry good speed onto the medium straightaway. Due to the short length of the straightaway it is more important to take the turn quickly as opposed to taking a slower line in hopes of getting on the accelerator early. Set up on the far right hand side and make the turn in late enough so that you maintain your steering angle while heading towards the inside apex (middle of the rumble strip). You should aim to turn in slightly after the track begins to curve to the left. Once you hit the apex get on the throttle as you head towards the exit. Smooth throttle control and steering inputs are necessary to tackle this turn properly.
Click here to watch a video demonstration of turn 8.
Turn 9: Right Hairpin
The ninth turn on Motegi is another vital turn as your line will dictate how much speed you can carry onto the back straight. One of the longest straights on the track is found here so hitting the right line is very important. A late entrance on this turn will increase the time taken to navigate the clear the corner, however it will allow you to get on the throttle early, giving you a higher top speed near the end of the back straight. Approach the turn from the left hand side and slow down enough to make a late turn in on the edge of the track. Once you reach the middle of the turn try to point your car at the exit and aim to get on the throttle as early as possible while maintaining a steady increase in acceleration. The further towards the outside you are the slower your turn will be, however you will be able to get on the throttle earlier. This is where the variation of lines will have a big impact. Depending on your cars characteristics you may want to take the turn closer to the inside or closer to the outside. Generally speaking if you have a power advantage over your competitors you will benefit from a wider line and early acceleration.
Click here to watch a video demonstration of turn 9.
Turn 10: Sharp Right Hander
After navigating the back straightaway you will come up on a sharp right hander that will offer up one of the best passing opportunities on this track. Due to the high entrance speed this turn relies heavily on braking, therefore if you have an advantage in that department here is the place to attack your opponent. The approach should be made from the left hand side with a medium to early turn in used to hit an early apex. The downward slope towards the right hand side of the turn will allow you to hold the inside line while maintaining a high rate of speed and acceleration. If taken properly you can combine late braking with an early entrance to clear this corner very quickly.
Click here to watch a video demonstration of turn 10.
Turn 11: High to Low Speed Rhythm Section
Turn 11 is a slight left hander that can be taken at full throttle depending on the cars characteristics, however generally speaking this turn can be taken going flatout. It is important to cut this corner tight enough to maintain speed while fading towards the outside in order to set-up for the next corner. Once you reach the outside prepare to get on the brakes to clear the section. This section is also vital to your lap times as the exit from turn 11 leads on the front straightaway so you want to maximize the amount of time that you are accelerating. Once you clear turn 11 make sure to hit the brakes again as you transition to the right. Hit the inside rumble strip early and begin accelerating towards the outside.
Click here to watch a video demonstration of turn 11.
// Continue to the Motegi West Track Guide //