Jaws Corner – What It Is and How to Nail It

If you’ve ever watched a race and seen a bike or car wobble at a tight, high‑speed bend, you’ve probably seen the Jaws corner. It’s a name that pops up on many circuit maps, and you’ll hear riders call it “the beast” or “that scary bit”. The reason it gets so much talk is simple: it’s fast, it’s blind, and a small mistake can cost you a lot of time or even a crash.

Why Jaws Is So Tough

First off, Jaws is usually a long, sweeping turn that follows a straight. That means you’re carrying a lot of momentum into it. The entry is often narrow, with little room for error, and the exit can drop you onto a straight where every millisecond counts. Because the apex is tucked deep inside the corner, many riders have to look over the inside barrier, which can feel disorienting. Add a little wind or a wet surface and the grip drops instantly, making the corner feel even more like a jaw that’s about to snap shut.

Practical Tips to Take the Jaws Corner

Here’s a quick checklist you can use next time you face Jaws on the track. 1. Brake early. Even if the corner looks fast, slowing down a little earlier lets you set a smooth line and keeps the bike stable. 2. Choose the right line. Aim for an outside‑to‑outside trajectory – enter wide, clip the apex, and let the bike drift back to the outside on exit. This gives you more room to correct if you get a little off‑track. 3. Keep your eyes up. Look where you want to go, not at the barrier. Your body will follow your gaze, helping you stay centered. 4. Lean with the bike. Trust the machine’s grip; don’t fight it. A gentle lean will keep the tires in contact and avoid a slide. 5. Practice in low‑fuel mode. A lighter bike reacts quicker, so try a few laps with less fuel to feel the difference, then apply the same feel when you’re full on race day.

Most riders also find that a small amount of body movement can make a big difference. Shift your weight slightly towards the inside of the turn as you hit the apex – it helps the bike hug the corner tighter. When you’re ready to unwind, push the bike back to a neutral position before you hit the exit straight. This prevents a sudden snap that can ruin your speed.

Another thing to watch out for is the track surface. Jaws often has a patch of rubber built up from previous laps, which can be slick when it gets hot. If you feel the bike sliding a bit, ease off the throttle just a touch and let the tires regain grip. It’s better to lose a few milliseconds than to spin out and lose a lap.

Finally, mental preparation matters. Before you even get on the bike, picture the corner in your mind. Imagine taking the perfect line, feeling the throttle, and seeing the track ahead. That mental rehearsal can make the real thing feel smoother, because you’ve already “done” it in your head.

Jaws may be one of the toughest spots on a circuit, but with the right approach it’s just another corner you can master. Use the tips above, stay relaxed, and keep practicing. Soon you’ll be hitting the apex cleanly, gaining speed on exit, and maybe even enjoying the rush that comes with taking on a legendary turn.