Dubai: The exceptional powers of concentration that helped Ayrton Senna capture three Formula One world championships were brought into focus on Monday for the young drivers pursuing their own path to the top in Abu Dhabi.
Senna’s psychological approach to race driving was highlighted by sports scientist Dr. Tadhg Macintyre during the regional qualifying event at Yas Marina Circuit for the 2015 FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy.
“Top class racers in motorsport work at the limits of their abilities and require immense concentration levels to sustain their focus over long periods,” said Dr. MacIntyre, Lecturer In Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology at the University of Limerick in Ireland.
“Although many current racers work with sport psychologists, Ayrton Senna was the greatest exponent of psychological skill. He mastered many techniques and strategies and could explain it easily as his sister was a trained psychologist.
“For example, Senna could visualise a ‘qualy’ lap in the same time it takes to drive it, such was the realism of his visualisations, enabling him to make accurate predictions of the car in advance.”
Organised by the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE), the Abu Dhabi qualifying event is one of six being staged worldwide.
A total of ten young drivers, including one selected at Yas Marina Circuit, will win a place in next year’s fully funded Academy programme to develop young talent and promote safety in motorsport.
Among those attempting to win the one academy place available in Abu Dhabi this week is the UAE’s Mansour Al Helei.
