He's raised the bar in terms of his preparation, his focus, his self-belief - he is one of those guys who is able to use every tool that a human being has got and maximise them to very high levels. He's a great example to all young drivers coming through and also to all the current drivers as well.
The 'Hamilton Factor' has had some impact on the MSA Driver Elite scheme that I am involved with too. We are obviously looking after six young drivers who are influenced by it, and have a lot to learn. Being down at grass roots level, you can see the effect Lewis has had, with a lot of new people wanting to come into the sport, with a lot more enquiries about karting, young driver programmes and things like that. The 'Hamilton Factor' has been good for everyone in our industry. I don't see very many negatives at all.
Finally, and on a darker note, I was shocked and horrified - like everyone else - by
Colin McRae's death. I've always been a bit of a fan of rallying, because my first event in Australia was a rally. I probably didn't drive like Colin did - I didn't have the balls for that - but there was a guy who inspired thousands of young people wanting to get into rallying. He was one of those guys who took life to the edge and that inspired a lot of people because they wished they could do the same. He will always remain an inspiration to motorsport but, to rallying, it is a very very sad loss.
DB
