'twas not an easy task for me , although I did an OK qually lap for once (p5) I had trouble keeping my Brabby (which had the handling characteristics of a Lemming ) on track , until the tyres had reached race temps (about 3 laps ). Thus my start was a little tardy and perhaps over cautious, allowing several cars to sail by on the long run up to T1 where I arrived alongside Geoff and Blito who were disputing the cornering rights .
The outcome was one of those pile ups that we all love to see but hate to be part of . Fortune smiles not just on the brave but also on the cowardly too and I was able to carry on with all the Brabby bits intact , so began the forward charge to regain some much needed soggy team points .
Once more into the breach again with Billy (the Kid) Nobrakes doggedly fending off my attention for lap after lap until a kami kazi pass into the Rindt curve got me through aided, it must be said, by some dodgy armco dancing from which once more lady luck found favour with me .
After that excitment it was a matter of driving as fast as possible within the limits of the tarmac to put as much free air as possible between me and my persuers who seemed to be having fun behind .
My concentration was so hard , I didnt even notice my P3 untill the last couple of laps or so
back in the pits my mechanics had to prise my hands from the steering wheel as I had been gripping it so tight , my eyeballs were bleeding , and was sure I had ground the enamel from my teeth .
What you might call a hard but lonely battle
Grats to Ross ( who will stop him ) and Rainier , all others who finished and commiserations to Maddog magee (again) and team mate Mike for his hard luck
Brands next ? ( I hate Brands )
(mind you I said that about about Zeltweg before the race )
