Folembray Circuit Motorcycle Onboarding Tutorial

General Characteristics

Folembray is a well-loved circuit, known for delivering great sensations.
It features both fast sequences and slower sections, making it a well-rounded track—ideal for training, with a few technical challenges to tackle.

That said, there’s a lot to think about and execute simultaneously.
The circuit lacks prominent reference points, which can make it more complex to master. Avoid dandelions! Don’t let the situation get away from you.

Reminder: Reference points are personal and will depend on your bike’s displacement, power, weight, setup, and your own riding style.

Turn 1

Gear: 4th or 5th
Braking Phase: No braking here.

Corner Entry:
A fast left-hander with great feel. Due to the speed, riders often initiate the turn too early, and it’s not easy to stay far right before entry.

Use the pit lane exit as a visual marker to begin your turn.
Nailing the trajectory is crucial here—don’t rely on excessive lean to compensate for poor line choice.

Be careful not to run wide, as this will compromise your position for the next right-hander and put you in a risky spot for braking.

Acceleration Phase:
This is a corner to be taken on the throttle.
Keep a constant light throttle (don’t close it completely); this will help you maintain precision in your line and make leaning the bike easier.

Controlling your acceleration is just as important as your line.
Push too hard, and you’ll drift off the optimal trajectory.

Turn 2

Gear: 5th or 6th
Braking Phase: Don’t touch the brakes!

Corner Entry:
If you’ve followed the previous advice, you should find yourself mid-track before turning into this right-hander.
This allows for less lean and makes it easier to position yourself for the next braking zone. Stay far right to brake upright and avoid braking while leaned over.

Acceleration Phase:
Like the previous left, this one is taken on a constant throttle. Don’t overdo it though—you’ll overshoot the line and arrive way too hot into the next braking point.

Turn 3

Gear: 2nd or 3rd
Braking Phase:
Braking markers are hard to spot here. On the left side of the track, you’ll find distance signs ahead of the turn.
This braking zone demands attention: straighten the bike for safety, move back to the left side to prepare for entry, and downshift.

Watch out for late braking—it’ll catch you off guard.

Corner Entry:
3rd gear is usually a good choice. It depends on your bike and gearing, but it provides more stability under braking and helps you stay on line.

Quick lean-in and sharp transitions are required here.
Release the brakes early to help the bike turn, and don’t forget to reapply a bit of throttle to keep the bike responsive during the direction change.

Aim for late apexes on both the right and left turns. This will reduce your lean angle on exit and set you up safely for the acceleration and next sequence.

Acceleration Phase:
Light throttle to reposition for Turn 4. Don’t push too hard—this section usually involves a lot of lean angle, and grip isn’t great.
Focus on a clean line to avoid arriving in trouble at the next corner.

Turn 4

Gear: 1st or 2nd
Braking Phase:
A slow corner with a few bumps on the racing line. Grip is poor.
Be cautious—don’t brake too aggressively while leaned over, or you’ll risk a front-end loss.

Corner Entry:
It’s hard to feel confident here due to the low speed.
It’s tough to let go, but the faster you get through, the better it feels.
Initiate your turn very late to prioritize the exit.
The apex is at the very end of the corner.

Acceleration Phase:
Tricky, due to low speed and the bumps.
Make sure the bike is upright before applying throttle to get proper drive and stay safe.
There’s no point in gassing it too hard—focus on your line.

Turn 5

Gear: 2nd or 3rd
Braking Phase:
Depending on your bike and riding style, you may not need to brake—or just lightly.

Corner Entry:
This is a technical turn. Force yourself to enter late to maximize the exit, but don’t miss the apex.
The goal here is to be well-positioned for the following small left, which leads to the straight.

Acceleration Phase:
The exit has some slope—be careful when rolling on the throttle.
Upshift during the direction change for better control.

Turn 6

Gear: 3rd, 4th, or even 5th for smaller displacements
Braking Phase:
Use the boards on the right as markers.
Be precise—kerbs are tall here.

Corner Entry:
Aim for a late apex to optimize your exit.

Acceleration Phase:
Make sure the bike is upright before rolling on. Avoid overloading the rear.

Turn 7

Gear: 2nd or 3rd
Braking Phase:
Use the signs on the left as markers.
The track slopes slightly downhill—be cautious.

Corner Entry:
Go for a late apex to set yourself up nicely for the next right-hander.

Turn 8

Gear: 2nd or 3rd
Braking Phase:
Straighten the bike slightly to prepare for proper entry.

Corner Entry:
Initiate at the right moment to avoid the kerbs.

Acceleration Phase:
Be precise with throttle application to avoid wheelies.
Accuracy during the direction change is key.

Careful—Martine is watching those wheelies!