Mind stimulation and training can be a good aid to driver concentration, according to Formula 1 star Robert Kubica.

Talking exclusively to Fleet News at CCIA, the BMW driver said that it was important for drivers to try different ways to improve their concentration.

“It is very complex but it is important to realise which way is best for you,” he said. “If you get tense you get tired; if you are over confident you exaggerate movements. Most people don’t understand how big the risk is.”

In addition to ‘brain training’, Kubica believes driver training is important. “You have to understand the different things that might happen on the road; learn how to react, how speed affects timing and how it affects your ability to get out of a situation – that could save your life,” he said.

During a race, Kubica’s heart rate rises to between 170-190 beats per minute. Key to his performance is learning to keep his concentration under such duress.

“A lot of it is in the mind – that’s where the mental training helps,” he added.

And his expectations for the rest of the F1 season? “There is a big gap so it will be difficult for us to compete with the top teams fighting for the championship this year. It depends on the track, the set up, the tyres – we could pick up some points, but it will be hard.”