What kind of preparation do drivers do before racing?

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What kind of preparation do drivers do before racing?

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Most drivers prepare physically in the same way as other athletes, by ensuring that they are properly nourished, hydrated and normally have a massage to loosen up their muscles (if they can afford such luxuries otherwise do stretching exercises and the like).

Mentally many drivers like to have a period of preparation in which they review their race strategy, plan the first few corners of the race, and remove all distractions from their mind. This period can vary from half a minute to half an hour depending on the individual. Some drivers prefer not to be talked to during this period, others talk with either their race engineer or a relative.

Many have small rituals they perform, Valentino Rossi leaves his pit and crouches by his bike for a few seconds before climbing onto it at the start of a race.

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