Pride, of course; concern, of course, and it's just another milestone, but there's a steeper hill ahead. We have to wait and see how Katherine does with that. We obviously have had some degree of confidence.
Again, this wasn't a decision that I made. This was a decision that the team made. It was the engineers, it was Jim McGee, it was Jimmy Vasser, all of whom took a collective vote on this to ensure that we had unanimity of thought.
Pride, certainly, collective agreement that the time was right for Katherine, and not just my pushing it on the team. But, as we looked forward, it's a recognition that there's a very significant mountain of experience that we've got to climb ahead and, obviously, I'll be there to support Katherine. But, when you're in the race car, you're on your own and I'll be sitting on the sidelines watching, so it's down to her.
Q:
Before Christmas, we talked with Jimmy Vasser and you just got the inclination that he was resigned to the fact that he was going to step out of the seat. What is that situation now?
KK:
Well, Jimmy has indicated that that's what he wants to do, and I have to say that that's not necessarily what I want him to do. I would obviously be thrilled if he stayed on another year.
But everyone, every athlete makes their decision about when is the right time, and I know that he does it with regret and with a great deal of pride and his accomplishments in the past. So, as a friend and as a partner, I will respect whatever decision he makes.
Q:
I have a question regarding the fitness programme for Katherine. If you could go into more detail as 18,000 calories a week is a lot.
KL:
I don't know how Kevin knows this stuff [
laughter].... I'm working with a team called Pit Fit in Indianapolis. They are awesome. They are getting me fit and ready and I've been on this programme for maybe three weeks now and it's already made a massive difference. I am in the gym twice a day, I'm doing lots of different stuff. I'm doing weight training, I'm doing cardio, I'm doing interval training, I'm taking climbing, I'm doing swimming. It's all‑encompassing and it's great fun. I'm having an absolute ball doing it. I'm really, really enjoying it.
