Smoothness, Finesse and Flow

Smoothness has always been the hallmark of an expert driver. The ability to change gear, steer, brake or accelerate with incredible finesse, flow and feel is a joy to behold, but remains a rare commodity for many drivers.

It’s never about just getting from A to B with driving enthusiasts, it much more than that. It's life itself to want to be a master driver and develop new skills to the ultimate degree.

Of course the faster you drive the smoother you need to become, because any slips in technique are naturally magnified at higher speeds. Jerky steering, harsh throttle applications, or injudicious braking during cornering, can trigger loss of control if you're close to the limit of adhesion already. An expert should demonstrate near seamless steering and measured throttle control leaving their car balanced and maintaining total stability.

On exiting a bend, it is important that when you apply more throttle, you do this in conjunction with a smooth, progressive unwinding of your steering angle. You can really learn the value of such techniques when driving hard on a circuit or the wide-open spaces of a proving ground, where the chances of an incident are dramatically minimised.

Balance and feel

On the track, once you have developed a degree of ‘feel’ for the car, you should be able to corner at speed where your car is absolutely on the limit, yet never tips over the limit. It’s a fine line of balance and feel, yet one that can be gained with practice in a safe environment. Should you make any sudden, jerky movements of the steering, brakes or throttle, it may result in a spin.

The development of this skill allows some drivers can take corners much faster than others, but it’s never about bravado or being ham-fisted with the controls – it requires delicacy and finesse to get it right every time.

Exploring the limits of adhesion

You can enjoy exploring the limits on the circuit or proving ground, but you must exercise sufficient self-control, never to attempt these techniques on the public road. If you can learn and master these skills in a safe off-road setting, you will be able to improve your car balance and vehicle stability factors, when cornering at lesser speeds on the public highway.

Perfect balance

Achieving near perfect smoothness demands becoming critically aware of how your reacts to the controls and how it affects your car's balance, ride and handling capabilities.

When you apply the brakes for example, ask yourself how it affected the smoothness of the ride. When you apply steering, ask yourself whether your car remained balanced and stable or was your steering action causing the car to become unstable and close to its limits. By persevering with asking those types of questions, you will soon reach a level of awareness and develop those essential skills that underpin smoothness, finesse and flow.

Flowing - like water through a tap

When an expert driver uses their brakes or throttle, it's always smooth and progressive and almost imperceivable to passengers that the driver has braked or applied the throttle.

I often describe these actions as ‘like turning on a tap where the water flows perfectly and seamlessly.’ Again, when releasing either, this is also done in a smooth, controlled and delicate manner – it becomes second nature eventually.

If you have not refined these techniques before, the next time you need to reduce the throttle application, try taking a second or two to gradually release the accelerator pedal rather than taking your foot straight off.

Remarkable difference

You will find the difference is remarkable and will be much appreciated by your passengers who may offer comments how smooth you are, which adds to their comfort and confidence in you and your driving abilities.

Similarly, when applying or releasing the brake pedal, take time to apply or release it gradually.

It’s worth mentioning that when braking, it’s important that the driver is also aware of managing the weight shift and vehicle inertia and the more gradually this is done, the better. Plus, the more delicate the application of the brakes, the more stability the car has and the more comfortable the passengers will be.

Jabbing, jerky or uncontrolled use of your brakes or throttle, results in an unstable car and passengers complaining about your poor driving! That’s the last thing any driver wants to hear!

Summary

In summary, always be smooth and gentle. Steer with feel, brake with finesse and apply the throttle with delicacy. Take time to brake or accelerate progressively and with sensitivity. Operate your controls in one continuous flowing motion whenever you can – and you can if you plan for it!

Use this knowledge constantly to improve your skills and develop your touch and mechanical sympathy. Use the controls with greater sensitivity. Can you develop that magic?