Guintoli explains the MotoGP leg dangle

Suzuki test rider Sylvain Guintoli has given the best, and certainly most detailed, explanation of how and why the 'leg dangle' is used in MotoGP.

Valentino Rossi is credited with discovering the braking technique, one of the most famous early examples being his final-turn victory clash with Sete Gibernau at the 2005 Spanish Grand Prix, where the Italian's inside foot was seen briefly taping the asphalt as he made a lunge down the inside.

Use of the leg dangle in such extreme situations initially gave the impression that putting his inside foot out was simply Rossi's natural reaction when braking at the absolute limit and feeling unsure if he would be able to make the corner or lose the front. 

But the other riders eventually realised The Doctor was, in fact, using it as a deliberate braking technique and it's now a common sight in hard-braking areas. 

There have been plenty of theories over the years as to why it works but in the following video, Guintoli - who spent seven seasons in grand prix before winning the World Superbike title, then joining Suzuki as a test and wild-card rider - reveals exactly what is being done during the dangle and how it helps improve braking performance…