How Brake Graph Telemetry Can Sharpen Your Sim Racing Performance

Improving your sim racing lap times isn't just about going faster – it's about knowing where and how to slow down efficiently. One of the most powerful tools at your disposal is brake graph telemetry. By analyzing how and when you apply the brakes, you can uncover critical performance gains, optimize your braking style, and drive with greater precision.

A brake graph in telemetry shows your brake input over time or distance, often represented as a percentage (0% to 100%). When overlaid with speed, throttle, and gear data, it provides a detailed look at your braking behavior – when you begin braking, how hard you press the pedal, and how consistently you modulate pressure.

This data is invaluable because braking is one of the most time-sensitive actions on track. Poor braking technique doesn't just cost time; it can compromise your line, unsettle the car, overheat the tires or make you vulnerable in wheel-to-wheel situations.

Brake application timing

Knowing exactly when to apply the brakes is crucial. If you’re braking too early, you’re leaving time on the table. Too late, and you risk overshooting the corner. Brake telemetry allows you to compare your braking points with faster laps – either your own or from other drivers – and adjust your approach accordingly. Refining your braking zones based on data leads to more consistent and confident entries.

Intensity of braking

The peak brake pressure you apply has a major influence on stopping power and balance. A sharp spike to 100% might be ideal in some scenarios (like low-speed hairpins) and specific simulators 8such as Assetto Corsa Competizione), while more progressive braking is better for corners requiring subtle weight transfer. Brake telemetry helps you understand whether you're braking too softly or too aggressively, and how that affects your car’s stability.

Braking style

Keep in mind there are different braking styles in racing – trail braking, straight-line braking, and threshold braking are common examples. Brake graphs can show whether you’re maintaining pressure into the turn (trail braking) or lifting off abruptly. By studying these curves, you can fine-tune your technique to suit the car and corner type, leading to smoother entries and better rotation.

One of the most overlooked benefits of brake telemetry is spotting inconsistencies. Varying brake points or pressures across laps suggest a lack of rhythm or confidence. Telemetry makes these patterns clear, allowing you to target specific sections of the track for improvement.

Braking is one of the most nuanced and impactful skills in sim racing. By studying brake graph telemetry, you can eliminate guesswork, adopt more effective braking techniques, and unlock faster, more consistent lap times. The difference between good and great often lies not in how fast you go – but in how well you slow down.