That's not a: "Common misconception"; it's the accepted meaning.
Retarding the ignition does not stop the engine from firing..... at worst, it just causes it to ignite with the exhaust valves open......
Even then, if you deliver unburned fuel in enough quantity to a white-hot exhuast..... with ZERO spark.... that, too will ignite the fuel in the exhaust.... It was a standard practice in the Turbo-Era.
Finally, you don't know that they are NOT 'arriving in neutral'! Lauda and Watson had this argument when they were in McLaren, together. One argued that 'neutral or de-clutched and more brakes' was more controllable than constantly jerking the car as you keep changing down a gear. I know that's 'heresy' to those who haven't thought about it BUT..... it DOES deliver more stability and it DOES NOT reduce the braking ability! Before anyone leaps in claiming extra braking is available from engine braking...... THINK about it and you'll see that view is WRONG! No car can deliver EXTRA braking from engine braking if their brake system is already efficient enough! The maximum available braking is controlled by the TYRES and NOT the brakes or engine. If you can lock the brakes, you have already delivered MORE than 'ideal' braking! Adding engine braking to that DOES NOT HELP!
Ian
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