DE: Series newsletter 2010-06-28

Success by help from the powers that be

Again and again you can see superstitious top-class athletes. A stuffed animal looking out of the sports bag, a necklace with talisman or a certain ritual that is an integral part of every competition contested by the respective athlete. So, it comes as no surprise that some of the ATS Formula 3 drivers also belong to the superstition fraternity.

Markus Pommer, for instance, needs his dad for his ritual. "Prior to every race, my dad knocks three times on my helmet," reveals the German and grins. "It just happened." For Sweden's Felix Rosenqvist, realising his ritual is somewhat easier. "I always enter the car from the left side. That's it," he says.

And the famous talismans also can be seen in the ATS Formula 3 Cup. Riccardo Brutschin, for instance, also is wearing his talisman on his neck. "And during the races, it is joined by a talisman of my sister," admits the Trophy driver. And it seems to work: in the six races contested to date, the German celebrated four wins, in the internal Trophy ranking. Possibly also because of his talismans?

Tom Dillmann and Nico Monien don't execute certain rituals but are very focused during their preparation. "I try to follow certain routine," reveals the Frenchman. "I need these standardised procedures for my concentration." While Monien needs tranquillity, prior to the races. "In this period of time, the only things I think about are the start and the race," says the German.

Other drivers, however, just refuse to let any rituals establish themselves and have good reasons for doing so, explains Willi Steindl: "Should you have a certain ritual and can't execute it, for whatever reason, you could get a mental problem. So, I prefer to do without any rituals." Gary Hauser is of the same opinion: "I just drive and always try to be well prepared. I don't need a ritual or a talisman."

And there are the drivers who just haven't found the right solution in this area. Dutchman Stef Dusseldorp, for instance, says: "I don't have anything special with me as nothing has appeared, to date." For the Dutchman, finding the suiting talisman in summer break could be helpful. After all, realising his goal to win the ATS Formula 3 Cup title this year will be anything but easy.

-source: formel3.de