ROMA – We are all born pilots, or at least until we have to face a curve. They are in fact the Achilles heel of every motorist. How to “feed them”? Which trajectory to follow? So here are some tips formulated by those who know curves: Ángel Suárez, Vehicle Physics Manager at Seat.
The first rule is to know what awaits us, so you have to keep your gaze ahead, as far as possible, in order to react promptly to the characteristics of the road you are traveling on.
Know the road signs and obey them. Not only do they anticipate the direction of the curve, to the right or left, but they also suggest how much we need to decelerate in relation to the speed limits on that stretch of road.
Shift down before entering a bend. “The maximum stability of the car is guaranteed when the wheels are still straight,” explains Suárez.
Another element is the trajectory. To avoid tightening the curve too much, and therefore to reduce the turning radius as much as possible, it is essential to make the most of the space available on the roadway while staying outside the curve. In this way we will be able to draw a wider angle. “In left turns, doing this also increases visibility when cornering. Once you have entered the curve, it will then be necessary to proceed keeping the inner edge of the carriageway as a reference point, being careful not to exit the demarcation line. In this case the Lane Assist system will be of great support ”.
Keep both hands on the steering wheel correctly. Imagine the hands of a clock that mark the hours 10 and 10 minutes: if you observe this rule, correcting the trajectory will become easier. “The secret is to steer the steering wheel progressively, avoiding sudden movements and keeping the speed constant,” adds Suárez.
When the turn is complete and the car’s wheels are straight again, accelerating will allow you to exit the corner in conditions of maximum stability, preparing you correctly for the next one. “Here, as in every phase of cornering, the basic premise is smooth driving”.
At this point, all that remains is to choose the right paths on which to apply these tips. Seat has chosen seven.
1. Italy: the Amalfi coast as well as being one of the most beautiful places in the world is an excellent test for budding drivers. Especially the 40 km that separate Vietri from Positano. A half hour of curves surrounded by a unique landscape
2. Spain: The road with the most curves in the whole country is on the island of Gran Canaria. This is the GC-200, which connects the towns of Agaete and La Aldea. A spectacular route that obviously requires a good deal of attention due to its 365 curves.
3. Portugal: the N304, in the north of the country, offers twists and turns surrounded by the breathtaking view of the Alvão Natural Park.
4. France: the 32 km of the so-called Col de Turini are covered with over 30 hairpin bends and only 50 meters of straight. It is in fact one of the most demanding sections of the Monte Carlo Rally.
5. United Kingdom: The B3135 which crosses the spectacular Cheddar Gorge towards Ashwick, Somerset, offers an unforgettable experience and a set of twisting curves not to be taken lightly.
6. Austria: the renowned Grossglockner in the Hohe National Park offers 48 km, 36 curves and a gradient of 1,500 meters.
7. Romania: in the shadow of Count Dracula in the Carpathian Mountains is the Transfagarasan, one of the most spectacular roads in the world. It offers 90 km of travel between curves and straights.
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