It might seem like the shortest line should win, right?

Not necessarily.

In racing, the fastest line is about more than distance. Drivers are trying to carry maximum speed through the corner while setting themselves up for the best possible exit.

🔴 Red: A tighter line that can require more steering and more speed reduction.

🔵 Blue: A wider, smoother arc that allows the driver to maintain more momentum.

🟢 Green: A late-apex approach. You enter deeper, turn later, and prioritize getting the car straightened out early so you can accelerate harder out of the corner.

🟡 Yellow: Very wide, but it generally doesn’t make the best use of the track.

And here’s the part many people miss…

👉 The fastest line is usually the GREEN line. 🟢

Why? Because the late apex gives the driver a better corner exit and allows earlier throttle application. And in racing, exit speed is everything—especially when a straight follows the corner.

So the fastest driver isn’t necessarily the one taking the shortest route…

They’re the one who loses the least speed and gets back on the throttle first.