Want to drive better and safer on the road? You might be surprised, but the best lesson comes from a track day. Emil Lindholm shares a few tips on how to make the most of the experience while learning valuable skills for everyday driving.
Being a great driver isn’t just about talent. It’s also about experience. Knowing how to read traffic situations and handle your car properly can make all the difference. Circuit driving helps you explore the limits of your car and understand how it behaves at the very edge of its capabilities. This knowledge is invaluable in critical road situations when driving in everyday traffic. The confidence you gain on the track can prevent panic and lead to instinctively correct reactions; something that can be worth its weight in gold when things get unpredictable. However, the lessons learned while circuit driving also contribute to a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable everyday driving experience.
To see this all in action, Emil Lindholm—2022 WRC2 World Rally Champion—joined Octavia RS owner Jakub for a hands-on lesson in mastering track driving. The foundation of a great driving experience, whether on the track or the road, comes down to three key tips.
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Get your seating position right
“The first and most important thing is your driving position. You’re not sitting on your couch at home, and you’re not in a 1980s Formula 1 car either. You should sit upright at the correct distance from the steering wheel, and always holding it with both hands, this is essential” says Emil Lindholm, reminding us of the very basic rule that every driver should follow before hitting the road.
Your back should be firmly against the seat, and your legs slightly bent. If your car has a clutch, your left leg should not fully extend when pressing it down. There’s also a simple trick for adjusting your steering wheel: with your back against the seat, your outstretched wrist should just touch the top of the steering wheel. The correct hand position? Both hands on the wheel, ideally at the ‘quarter to three’ position. This gives you maximum control over the car; something you’ll immediately notice when tackling a series of fast corners on the track. On the road, keeping both hands on the wheel makes sudden evasive manoeuvres much easier.
However, proper seating isn’t just about control; it’s also essential for safety i.e. correct and proper functioning of the restraint systems. Seat belts and airbags are designed with an optimal driving position in mind, ensuring they work effectively in case of an accident.
Don’t be afraid to use full power
“One key lesson from track driving is that you should never be afraid to brake hard or accelerate aggressively when needed, even in unexpected situations on the road,” Lindholm advises. “The most effective braking happens in a straight line. As you turn into a corner, you should gradually release the brakes. Once you pass the apex, you can smoothly get back on the throttle.” This comes in very handy in everyday traffic when unpredictable situations arise, which are sometimes not uncommon.
A track is the best place to truly understand your car’s dynamics. You’ll learn when ABS kicks in, how your suspension handles high-speed cornering, and when stability control starts to intervene. This experience means you won’t be caught off guard when similar situations come up in everyday driving. A track session or driver training course can also help you develop the right instincts, ensuring that you react correctly and without hesitation.
“This is exactly why we train on the circuit, so that the power of the car doesn’t take you by surprise on the road, for example, when overtaking,” mentions the world rally champion.
Drive smoothly
The final key to better driving is smoothness. Onboard footage from rally cars might make it look like drivers are constantly wrestling with the wheel, jerking it back and forth, but in reality, their movements are precise and incredibly smooth. Yes, their reactions are quick, but that’s because of the high speeds involved. Every steering input is intentional, completed smoothly, and leads seamlessly into the next. This is how the best drivers make a car ‘dance’ through corners and around the track.
On the circuit, you’ll learn the basics of smooth car control, with a particular focus on the right racing line and a smooth passage through it. “Start wide, aim for the apex, and exit wide. Keep your steering inputs smooth—no jerky movements,” Lindholm explains. Using the full width of the road allows you to carry more speed through a corner.
This technique applies to road driving as well. Even within your lane, you often have some room to position the car optimally for a corner. It might seem like a small detail, but this kind of precise driving has multiple benefits—it’s safer, more comfortable, and even improves fuel efficiency.
“On the road, always stay in your lane, obey speed limits, and respect other drivers. The skills you develop on the circuit will help you drive more safely, smoothly, and comfortably,” concludes the 2022 World Rally Champion's little lesson.
