Using the left foot for the brake pedal (instead of the typical right foot) to allow simultaneous throttle and brake input. Common in rally and AWD performance driving.
Left-foot braking is a driving technique where the driver uses the left foot for the brake pedal instead of the typical right-foot operation. The technique allows simultaneous throttle and brake inputs (impossible with single-foot operation), which is essential in certain motorsport applications and useful in some performance driving scenarios.
The technique is most common in rally driving and AWD performance driving. In rally, left-foot braking allows the driver to keep the engine spooled (turbocharged engines benefit) while using the brakes to load the front tires for cornering. AWD cars benefit because the brake input loads the front axle, transferring weight forward and helping the car rotate during corner entry. The technique is taught in professional rally schools and is fundamental to top-level rally driving.
Left-foot braking is less common in road car performance driving because most road cars are not designed for the technique. The brake pedal is typically positioned for right-foot operation, and the brake-throttle response of road cars is generally not optimized for simultaneous input. Some performance cars (including some Porsche and BMW M models) have brake-throttle override systems that prevent simultaneous operation, eliminating the possibility of left-foot braking.