Oulton Park is a challenging and exciting circuit with a mix of high-speed sections and technical corners. Here are some tips to help you navigate and excel at Oulton Park as part of our series of track guides:
- Study the Track Layout: Familiarize yourself with the track layout by studying maps, watching onboard videos, and using simulator programs. Understanding the track’s twists, turns, and elevation changes will give you a head start.
- Start Slow and Build Confidence: Begin your laps at a comfortable pace to learn the track’s nuances and gain confidence. Focus on hitting the correct racing lines and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
- Master Cascades: Cascades is a high-speed corner and one of the key sections at Oulton Park. Approach it with commitment and carry as much speed as possible through the initial right-hand kink. Brake smoothly, shift your weight to the outside, and turn in for the left-hander, aiming for a late apex.
- Nail the Hislop’s Chicane: Hislop’s Chicane is a tight and technical section that requires precision and good car control. Brake early and smoothly before entering the chicane. Focus on hitting the curbs while maintaining stability and minimizing any oversteer or understeer.
- Tackle Druids Corner: Druids Corner is a slow, uphill hairpin that leads onto a short straight. Approach it by braking in a straight line, downshifting, and then turning in smoothly. Use the full width of the track on exit to maximize your speed onto the straight.
- Be Smooth at Knickerbrook: Knickerbrook is a fast left-right chicane. Approach it with a late brake and carry as much speed as possible through the first left-hander. Be smooth with your steering inputs and try to maintain momentum through the chicane.
- Manage the Corkscrew: The Corkscrew is a double-apex left-hander with a blind crest. Approach it with caution and gradually increase your speed as you become more familiar with the track. Aim for a late apex on the first left-hander and position yourself for a smooth exit.
- Watch Out for Deer Leap: Deer Leap is a high-speed section with a crest that can unsettle the car. Be prepared for the car to become light and maintain a steady throttle and steering input to keep the car balanced.
- Practice Overtaking Opportunities: Identify the key overtaking spots on the track, such as into Hislop’s Chicane or Lodge Corner. Practice different overtaking techniques, such as out-braking your opponent or setting up a better exit from the preceding corner.
- Seek Professional Guidance: Consider working with a professional driving coach or participating in track days to receive personalized guidance and feedback on your driving technique at Oulton Park.
Remember, it takes time and practice to master any track. Start by building a solid foundation, gradually push your limits, and continuously refine your driving skills. Enjoy the experience and embrace the challenges that Oulton Park presents.