Think McNish's crash was bad..

[nichosnz 0]

It is sad to see some thing go (or arrive I should say) isn't it?

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

Well the meeting in December actually may get rid of some or all of that for 2004, so Im hoping very much that it will. Driver error causing retirements is so rare now, I cant remember many instances where that was the case this year. Being pressured into mistakes is uncommon, very much unlike a few years back, remember races like Nurburgring 1999 where Hakkinen pushed Irvine into going wide at the chicane?

[nichosnz 0]

Keeping a cool head used to be an essential part of being a racing driver. Now it seems to be of little or no importance in F1.

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

Except in the mind games part of F1, you cant let those affect you. In recent years it hasnt been anywhere near the magnitude of mind games as in 1998 or 1999, it is amazing how Hakkinen was able to keep it together to put together those magnificent performances at Suzuka both years, even when the tension before the 1999 round was so, so, so very intense.

The Finnish Murray Walker, Matti Kyllonen, was almost ballistic behind the mic in both races, probably some of the best commentating I have ever heard. The sheer enthusiasm, it was unparalleled even by Murray himself when Damon won, and I know it is hard to believe but you had to hear it to believe it.

[nichosnz 0]

For mind game though you need a strong head, different to a cool head. Related but different, it is definatly possible to have one but not the other.

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

Just in case you are interested, listen to THIS, Finnish commentating when Mika took his first win at Jerez

I see what you're saying about a strong head and a cool one, but I think it is more common for drivers to have both than just one or the other. I think being able to drive in your own little world and not mind about any games is the strong head part, but that also would allow you to have a cool head and just drive perfect for 90 minutes.

[nichosnz 0]

I agree both is more common, but an example. Edward Irvine; strong head, can play mind games with the best of them, but in 'real' pressure situations he does not have that coll a head.