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The Day Before The Race
A great result, often need a lot of preparation.
There are no magic formulas or recipes, it is a very individual thing. I will bring to you, the reader, as an example, what I did before my two races in the Clio Eurocup – World Series by Renault, as well as to give a clearer idea of what a racing driver can or should do. The French circuit of Paul Ricard and the Spanish Jerez were unknown to me: two whole new circuits and knowing a circuit is instead a fundamental thing in racing. How to make up for this deficit? Using videos that other drivers, with the same car that I will use in the race, put on the internet. Ok, feelings are not transmitted through a screen, but which way you turn, where to brake or accelerate as well, are all things you can practice on. On Thursday, I often do a walk around the track with my team mates and engineers, in order to get a further idea of the circuit. Then, once you are on the track, use the first free practice laps to get the feel and correct trajectories and braking points. Let’s get back to the real pre-race preparation. I always check all the documents. Important not to leave home your license or the medical examination, without those you do not even make the practice and obviously forget about qualifying and racing. In addition, always prepare some “track sheet” (or a notebook) to bring at the circuit; as if I were an engineer, I write various arrangements, modifications, condition and location so as to have home a background that can always come friendly in future. Let’s move on to clothing: gloves, boots and suit always ready and should not be torn or excessively used. Since everything is in fireproof material is extremely important that it is in perfect condition. Helmet and Hans always neat, clean and bright: the eye wants its part too! That’s it? Absolutely not. Mind is the most important thing for a pilot, I have a few days before getting on the track and I think and speak as if I were already there. I think about the program, the briefing, all the various activities. I try to be very methodical, I do schedule in my head, based on what we did the previous race and on what points work for improving. I evaluate priorities, but there are some drivers who, much more in style with James Hunt, arrive at the track and play with their instinct. Ask yourself always realistic goals, to win requires a long-time. What about fitness? Well, in these categories you don’t have to be a super-athlete as in single seater categories, but it still requires to have a healthy life, in fact, cockpits are hot and can reach up to 60-65°C. I do not spend hours in the gym but I prefer to do outdoor sports; like playing football, tennis, skiing and a bit ‘of jogging. Finally, I study my opponents looking for information on the Internet. For example, in this championship, there are many Spanish drivers and I knew that in Jerez, being home, they would have been even more competitive. So it was and in the first eight positions, four of them were local drivers. Each race hides its threat, but at the same time also offers opportunities. As you can understand, this is just “my” way to prepare for the race, but every pilot approaches differently! I’ve seen racing drivers with a boxer like physique surrender at once and the exact opposite people, doing vice versa an impressive job.
In short, be prepared and focused, and above all, be competitive!
Aldo Ponti
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