Here we see Jann Mardenborough, the 2011 GT Academy winner, behind the wheel of a Nissan 370z. As this gamer-turned-racer describes, left-foot braking is a technique used to keep the car balanced and negate the delay that occurs when a driver switches his foot from the throttle to the brake.

In the case of a car with a conventional clutch pedal, the left foot isn’t typically used for braking, but in certain corners it would be beneficial to do so. With a series of fast esses, for example, a less-experienced driver may have to briefly lift off the throttle or dab the brakes to get the car to turn in.

Depending on the pedals, footwell shape and the width of your feet, it can get very tight in there.

When momentum is all important, as it is in this example, the car will need its attitude adjusted while sacrificing as little acceleration as possible. To place some weight on the front tires, thereby allowing the front to turn, the brake can be rubbed gently with the left foot while the right foot is flat to the floor. You may notice as he applies the brake, he will reduce his throttle application, though not always.

For modern drivers, who were brought up racing go-karts with dreams of racing single-seaters, the concept of braking with the left foot isn’t as alien as it is to most. In fact, the only driver in the modern IndyCar series who didn’t left-foot brake was Dario Franchitti. While many of us feel more confident modulating pedal pressure with our right foot, it wastes time to dance the right foot between the gas and the brake pedals.

If you’re an aspiring racer, left foot braking is a vital skill as it allows you to near-instantly change the weight transfer of the vehicle and, at times, balance the car in a way that simply isn’t possible using one foot alone. It might seem alien, but with time and practice, it becomes a valuable skill that will give you confidence and cut down lap times.