You have to be prepared for it - JV

Since the beginning of the 2006 Formula One season, tyre changes during races are no longer banned. The result of this regulation change: softer tyre compounds, resulting in higher cornering speeds, which represent an additional strain of the drivers.

Due to the higher cornering speeds, drivers have to cope with higher lateral forces and consequently higher physical strain. At circuits with a lot of fast bends, such as Silverstone, Suzuka and Barcelona, the drivers are confronted with extreme lateral acceleration in many sections, with only the fittest drivers being able to complete the races without many suffering problems in the neck and shoulders.

BMW Sauber F1 Team driver Jacques Villeneuve confirms: "You're under so much force in those corners. The speed is so fast that you get squashed and twisted in the cockpit. If you are not fit enough, it may cause some problems. Usually I have no problems in the neck and shoulder area, but I do feel it. I enjoy it, but you really have to be prepared for it."