Tutorial - the Croix-en-Ternois Circuit

General Presentation of the Circuit

The Croix-en-Ternois circuit is slow and bumpy. It’s important to have a motorcycle that isn't too rigid, to properly absorb bumps and achieve better grip in slower sections. On track, we use reference points to help improve performance and reduce unnecessary risks. These reference points are personal and depend on the type of motorcycle, engine size, settings, and rider skill level. Walking a lap of the track is always beneficial, as speed on the motorcycle can mask the true condition and elevation changes of the track.

Turn 1

Braking Phase: Several braking reference points are available: the pit lane exit and distance markers on your left before the first corner. The trickiest area is the corner entry, slightly bumpy. Holding brakes too long while leaned over risks losing the front.

Cornering Phase: Two trajectories exist:

• Sweeping line, simpler but very effective.

• Late apex ("Goutte d’eau"), suited for powerful motorcycles but more technical to execute.

Given the bumpy surface, maintaining a good trajectory can be tricky. Slightly reapplying throttle helps stabilize your motorcycle and improves trajectory control.

Acceleration Phase: This section is slightly off-camber, so be careful when accelerating. Focus your gaze towards the inside curb to avoid running wide. Avoid aggressive throttle application and remember to straighten the motorcycle. Beware of the compression at the outside curb which often causes wobbling. Shifting up at this point can eliminate instability.

Turn 2

Braking Phase: A strip of asphalt across the track provides an excellent braking marker. You can also use the right-side distance markers, advertising boards, or curbs as reference points. Avoid unreliable markers like dandelions or pebbles. Remember, reference points are always personal. Avoid prolonged braking while leaned over due to slight camber.

Cornering Phase: Again, two possible trajectories:

• Sweeping line

• Late apex ("Goutte d’eau")

The corner has slight negative camber but good grip, making it ideal for practicing prolonged left-side leaning and optimizing your exit trajectory.

Acceleration Phase: Right after the apex, there’s significant negative camber and reduced traction. Be gentle with acceleration. The asphalt joint marks the end of the negative camber.

Turn 3

Braking Phase: Brief, firm braking, technically challenging due to preceding direction change. Proper positioning on the motorcycle is crucial. Avoid prolonged braking on lean due to a bump crossing the track (risk of front-end loss).

Cornering Phase: Excellent grip, extended lean duration—ideal for refining right-side body positioning.

Acceleration Phase: Superb traction on the exit, allowing enjoyable acceleration. However, grip has its limits; ensure your motorcycle is upright before full-throttle application.

Turn 4

Braking Phase: Again, brief and firm braking. The track slopes upward here, increasing stability during braking. A prominent bump before the apex requires caution: avoid braking heavily while leaned over to prevent running off the trajectory.

Cornering Phase: Technical, blind corner with no visible exit. It sets up a sequence of corners: missing your line here means being off trajectory up to turn 6. Quick lean-in is necessary—initiate as late as possible to avoid going wide.

Acceleration Phase: Don’t exceed mid-track, as the outside is negatively cambered and off trajectory. This acceleration phase prepares the following corner: prioritize trajectory over aggressive throttle. Consider shifting up at the direction change to avoid wobbling and improve positioning for turn 5.

Turn 5

Braking Phase: If you brake here… you're a wimp!

Cornering Phase: Technical, fast corner setting up braking for turn 6. Precision with throttle is essential for correct trajectory. As you start leaning, slightly ease off throttle to increase front tire grip. A bump near the apex can slightly unsettle the motorcycle.

Acceleration Phase: Short acceleration before braking for turn 6. Favor trajectory over speed. If you run wide, ease off throttle slightly to correct trajectory.

Turn 6

Braking Phase: Proper positioning during braking is critical, as it defines your trajectory throughout the corner and exit. Late entry ensures safer acceleration.

Cornering Phase: The slowest corner on the circuit, with an unusual trajectory and a very late apex. You may feel like you're falling into the lean. The faster you enter, the more comfortable you'll feel leaned over.

Acceleration Phase: Very bumpy and low grip at the exit. Straighten the motorcycle thoroughly before applying power, or risk a highside. It's recommended to shift up at the slight left kink preceding the straight to reduce stress on the motorcycle and prevent wobbling. On the straight, the front may lift slightly: push with your legs to shift your weight forward and relieve pressure on the handlebars.