Apex

Every corner has a geometric middle, but the apex that matters is the one you choose: the spot where your inside tires brush the curbing or come within a foot or so of the edge. It splits the corner into two jobs. Before it, you are slowing and rotating the car. After it, you are unwinding the wheel and feeding in throttle.

From the seat, a good apex feels like the car settling. You have finished the hard part of the turn, the steering stops increasing, and you can see the exit opening up. If you are still adding lock after the apex, or you arrive there and have to wait before you can accelerate, the apex was in the wrong place.

The classic beginner mistake is apexing too early because the inside curb looks inviting. That leaves you pointing at the outside wall halfway through the exit, forced to lift or add steering. Most instructors start novices on a slightly late apex because it is more forgiving and makes the exit, where speed is carried down the next straight, the priority.