Training for motorsport
Here are some extracts from a Kovalainen interview about the physical, mind and preparation you need to be in to race at the top of motorsport.
As you are coming up through the ranks think about different ways you can push yourself mentally
and physically so that you are constantly challenging your peak fitness levels and getting better.
Drivers need a unique combination of power, aerobic fitness and mental strength to handle speeds of more than
200mph and deal with powerful G forces for long periods.
Understanding the Fitness Demands:
The drivers at the top level are so fit that Kovalainen describes it in the following way:
“A good way to describe how fit we need to be is to say that each race we run a marathon but we cannot afford to get tired”.
You must also keep this in mind when structuring a training session (both physically and mentally):
There is no other sport, apart from the marathon, where an athlete has their heart rate so high for such a long time.
Brain Training:
“We always try and involve the brain in training because in F1 we have to keep the brain running until the last straight.
We cannot lose concentration, we have to talk to the team on the radio and, if you are well prepared physically, then there will a bit left in reserve for your brain to cope.”
Reaction Times:
Heikki has some of the best reaction times and has held the highest score on the Batak machine testing for reaction times. This is such a vital area to develop in terms of driving performance. to give you some perspective of how quick he is a fighter pilot scored 101 whilst Kovalainen scored a 121 (20% quicker than an figher pilot!)
“You have be alert for different situations in motorsport, You have to be ready for something that is coming but you don’t know when or where”
(Dont worry there are plenty of other ways to train reaction times that don’t involve the Batak!)
“The most important job for an F1 driver is to drive the car, 110%, but you also need a good memory and awareness to communicate to the mechanics and engineers what the car is doing.”
95% of Racing Success is Training:
“Our job is to drive on average one-and-a-half days a week throughout the year, but the rest of the time is spent preparing for that.
If you are not physically and mentally prepared you cannot be successful in Motorsport.”
Training is absolutely essential, training correctly gives you the advantage.
Keep Racing!
Robin
PS. leave your comments below or email me anytime: robin (at) f1driverssecrets (dot) com
PPS. Developing some awesome training information for you. Enter your email to get the heads up when it is released.
Physical fitness affects areas such as concentration,
decision making and reaction time; all key elements
for a top driver.
The physical and mental side of racing are completely
intertwined. You cannot separate them. If you are physically
at your peak you will have a greater chance of being
mentally at your peak too, this means you will be able to
concentrate for longer periods, make better decisions and
have lighting quick reaction time on the track.
Have a look at this short clip about the physical and mental
training of an F1 driver (try to ignore the horrible narrator!)
It is essential ot incorporate mind and diet into your
physical training regime. This will ensure you are in peak
physical and mental condition and get the most out of your
body and car for awesome motor sport success.
Drop me an email in the box to the right or leave
a comment below and let me know any questions you
have in regards to the physical, mental or dietary side
of motor sport.
Keep Racing!
Training Your Senses To Become A Better Driver
We looked at training you auditory sense in the last post.
In this post, it is all about the sense of balance and kinesthetic.
Most people believe there are only 5 senses. This is incorrect there are 6. The forgotten sense is our sense of balance.
Balance for a driver is essential. Here’s how to train it up:
Technique One For Training Balance and Kinesthetic Sense:
Loads of the top drivers are able to competently ride a unicycle. Being finely tuned into
the balance of keeping it up and learning to read how small changes can have big effects. Think
about how useful this is for driving a car, being able to notice all the small changes,
picking up on them and fixing them. You need to train yourself to have this
kind of awareness!
Mika Hakkinen on unicycle
You can pick up a unicycle here:
(These unicycles are fine for use for both kids and adults, big and small)
Now learn how to ride it and practice, practice, practice. Next time you are on the track pay attention and notice how you are able to gather information and feedback from your body more accurately.
Technique Two For Training Balance and Kinesthetic Sense:
Master the wobble board.
Live on the wobble board to train and heighten your sense of balance. Be constantly improving it. Stand on it while watching TV or for a real challenge stand on it while playing a video game (preferably a driving game!)
That’s it for now.
Let me know how you are going with the training of your senses.
robin (at) f1driverssecrets (dot) com
Keep Racing!
Robin
www.F1DriversSecrets.com
