​    Unequivocally race drivers have astounding reflexes. They can react to situations instantaneously. The very best can envision scenarios before they even occur and methodically devise contingencies all within milliseconds. Whether it be through the hands, arms, feet, their backsides, or the sum thereof, they also possess an innate touch or intrinsic feel for what’s happening. They constantly adjust their points of focus. This heightened sensory awareness gels to form a potent combination in their quest to be the fastest.
    But what is their point of focus? What is commanding their attention? As they’re hurtling down the straight at breakneck speeds, do you think they’re fixated on their braking point? As they approach the apex of a corner, do they stay focussed on it until the apex is passed? Do you simply stare at your rival in front and follow their lines? Have you ever seen someone spin, only for the driver behind to spin in sympathy? Any aspiring driver who adopts these traits is destined to be at the back of the grid and is an accident waiting to happen.
    Adjusting your points of focus is paramount. Don’t be misled. A driver definitely spots their braking point when travelling down the straight by way of a landmark, bump or crack in the track surface, fence line or advertising, whatever. The point is, once that’s found, they’re looking for the apex. Once the apex is spotted, they’re looking for the corner exit. This all occurs before they reach said point. Sounds obvious right? But do you get the point? You drive to where you look. Hence why you look for the corner exit as soon as practical. But here’s the best bit. If you have a bit of a moment through the corner, like the back stepping out potentially about to cause a spin, you correct it instinctively without consciously endeavouring to do so. Why? You’re already focussed on the corner exit. You drive to where you look.
    Focussing so far ahead while constantly adjusting your points of focus, therefore driving to where you look, is something that doesn’t always come naturally. You have to train yourself to do so. If you want to drive fast, you have to resist the temptation to watch each point as you pass it. If you can do that, then maybe, just maybe, the best race drivers may not be passing you. Cheers…. 

    Australian fans should be ecstatic. Formula One has exercised its option by extending the Australian Formula One Grand Prix's contract for another two years. This takes grand prix racing in Melbourne up to and including 2025. That's 30 years racing around Albert Park's idyllic lakeside street circuit. Punters have always supported our GP, so let's continue to do so. We trust you're enjoying our look back at this year's AGP in the Final Sector. 
    As F1 approaches its mid-season summer break, the driver market rumour mill for the following season usually steps up a gear. Who'll drive for which team? Who's going to retire? Who's going to make their debut? Another topic of discussion is the makeup of the next year's calendar. Whilst Australia's future is assured, a couple of other races are in jeopardy of dropping off the calendar. 2020 sees a new race in Vietnam, plus the reemergence of the Dutch GP at Zandvoort. This means that F1's already bulging calendar needs to drop two races. Where once it was under threat, Silverstone has shored up the British GP with a contract extension. A deal at Monza for the Italian GP is all but done. At the time of writing it seems Mexico, Spain and Germany are under threat. Despite Mexico only just coming back onto the calendar, it has history, is extremely well patronised, yet has asked for government assistance to remain viable. Last weekend's epic German GP is rumoured to be cut despite having an option in place for next year at this year's conditions. The resurrected Dutch GP is slated for May. Bearing in mind Monaco is also in May, what does that say for Spain? We have to ask though. Would the Dutch GP be on the calendar if it wasn't for the Max factor? There's no doubt that Red Bull's Dutch ace Max Verstappen is a huge talent. A potential world champion. His presence on the grid has largely bolstered numbers at almost all the European circuits. The sea of orange clad punters at races like Austria, France and Germany will attest to that. Just wait until Belgium. The Ardennes will look orange from space. 
    The last 20 years or so F1 has branched into new markets, mainly in Asia. Now Vietnam is the latest addition. Exploring new markets broadens F1's appeal and captivates new audiences, but at what cost? At the expense of F1's European heartland in an attempt to create new traditions in countries that year after year, may not be able to sustain F1's costs? Anyone remember the Indian, Malaysian or Korean GP? Don't misinterpret our sentiments. We sincerely hope the Vietnam GP is a success and around for a long time. 
​    Question is, can F1 accommodate both history and tradition at older established circuits whilst promoting itself at new venues? Conversely, are the new venues capable of creating traditions of their own by continuing lengthy tenures?