However, that doesn't make up for my own stupidity. I took a corner too fast for the conditions and threw away a certain podium position. I am my own hardest critic but pride myself in not making mistakes. Championships are won and lost on such mistakes, so I have had a few harsh words with myself. I didn't expect anyone to make excuses for me, but it was very gratifying to receive messages of support from mates in the sport, pointing out to me my mistakes are few and far between, and that the circumstances were exceptional.
Anyway that race is behind me. I love and hate my home events in equal parts, and while I hate letting my fans down, I do love seeing everyone and getting their support. We also had the launch of the set of Guernsey stamps issued to celebrate my championship wins. It was amazing to see the number of people who turned up at the
BMW hospitality unit for this. It was very moving for me when I was presented with the number one set that had been specially framed. This is something that will hang in my house in pride of place. Then we were also able to celebrate the birth of my team manager's son. Bart Mampaey's son Per had been born a couple of months before, and BMW had taken this opportunity to get BMW motorsport director, Mario Theissen, to present him with a special baby car in the same livery as my BMW Team UK car.
I am now heading for my second 'home' race of the year. This is at the German Oschersleben track, which is in the former eastern block near the city of Magdeburg. I am delighted to report this is not only a good circuit for our car, but also where I gained my sole win of 2005. I am also going there slightly lighter, as this weekend I have 50 kilos ballast.
