DEFINITION
An opposite drift is when a driver enters a corner sliding the wrong way for that corner — for example holding right-side angle through a left-hand corner. It only appears as part of a transition sequence where the previous corner has set the wrong-side angle.
Judges score it according to the prescribed line: if the line calls for opposite drift through a section (sometimes it does), it scores normally. If not, it's a line deviation.
HISTORY & ORIGIN
Opposite drift entered the modern course-design vocabulary in mid-2010s Formula Drift, where deliberately complex link sections demanded it.
TECHNIQUE BREAKDOWN
Driver carries the previous transition's angle into the next corner, holds the slide with throttle and counter-steer, then transitions back at the apex of the new corner.
PRO TIPS & COMMON MISTAKES
• Opposite drift is only a positive when the prescribed line calls for it. Otherwise it reads as 'late transition'.
• Common mistake: confusing 'I held an opposite-drift angle' with 'I was supposed to'. Read the course briefing carefully.
The link section called for an opposite drift between zones two and three; he held it perfectly.