Handbrake Basics for Rally Drivers

Ever wondered why the best rally drivers pull the handbrake before a tight corner? It’s not a stunt, it’s a tool that helps you rotate the car quickly and keep speed. In rally you face loose gravel, snow, or mud, and a well‑timed handbrake can turn a messy approach into a clean line. Below you’ll find the most useful tips to start using the handbrake like a pro.

When to Use the Handbrake

The handbrake works best on low‑traction surfaces where the rear wheels can slide without locking the whole car. Think of a hairpin turn on a gravel stage, a sudden change from asphalt to mud, or a jump that requires a quick directional shift. Don’t pull it on full‑dry tarmac – the wheels will lock, you’ll lose grip, and the car can spin. A good rule of thumb: if you can see dust or loose stones kicking up behind the car, the handbrake is an option.

Step‑by‑Step Handbrake Turn

1. Approach the corner with a bit of throttle, keeping the car balanced. 2. Turn the steering wheel toward the corner’s inside as you would for a normal turn. 3. Pull the handbrake quickly while keeping the throttle steady. The rear wheels will break loose and the car will start to rotate. 4. Release the handbrake the moment the car points in the new direction. 5. Apply throttle gently to straighten the car and exit the corner. The whole motion should feel like a single fluid action, not a series of separate steps.

Practice this in a safe, open area first. Start at low speed, then gradually increase as you get comfortable. Notice how the car behaves when you pull the handbrake too early or too late – timing is everything.

Common mistakes include holding the handbrake too long, which makes the rear slide out of control, and using too much throttle while pulling, which can spin the front wheels. Also, many drivers forget to release the handbrake quickly; the car then jumps back onto the rear wheels and can fishtail. Fix these by focusing on a quick pull‑and‑release motion and keeping the throttle steady.

Another tip: adjust the handbrake cable tension if you feel a delay between pulling the lever and the rear wheels locking. A crisp, immediate response lets you fine‑tune the rotation and reduces the chance of overshooting the corner.

When you’re comfortable with the basic handbrake turn, try adding a reverse‑handbrake on the opposite side of the corner. This technique helps you correct a slide or set up for a tighter exit. It’s useful on stages with alternating left‑right hairpins, where you need to switch direction quickly.

Finally, remember safety. Always wear a helmet, keep your eyes on the road ahead, and be ready to abort if the car starts to spin. Handbrake tricks are great for performance, but they add risk if you’re not in control.

In rally, the handbrake is a simple tool that can make a huge difference. Use it wisely, practice often, and you’ll see noticeable gains in corner speed and confidence. Keep the steps in mind, stay aware of the surface, and you’ll be pulling the handbrake like a seasoned rally driver in no time.