Lewis Hamilton started his 2008 campaign much like he ended the2007 season, off course! The runner-up in last year’s Championship got off to a rocky start testing at Jerez, Spain today, finding himself beached in the gravel. Twice.

The first time it was just wet,” Hamilton said.

I touched the kerb and just went on to the edge of the gravel - it would be good if there were some proper run-off areas here - and then it was the same again in the afternoon.

“Without these controls helping you on the entry to corners there is a lot more locking of the rear wheels, and when you are on the limit and pushing that is what happens.

Pardon me for saying so, but shouldn’t driving a Formula 1 car at the limit be difficult? I understand that not having driver aids like traction control and engine braking available will make driving more difficult but really, F1 is a sport of supreme skill and control. If it was a piece of cake every cab driver and dentist from Pensacola to Piccadilly would be out there setting fastest laps and looking for a multi-million dollar contract.

Hamilton’s suggestion that larger (proper?) run off areas should be set up is a statement that leaves me wondering about the new generation of race drivers who are in F1 before most of us are out of college. I’m solidly in favor of safety in racing and I don’t want to see a race driver die. But, there must be consequences when a driver makes a mistake. If there are no consequences what will stop some idiot from driving beyond his abilities and hurting himself or someone else? I’d rather Lewis was a bit embarrassed to be sitting in the gravel than dead because he put his trust in a run off area.

Lewis had two trips beyond the limits of the car and lost valuable testing time stuck in the dirt. In a race the same mistakes would have ended his race - a consequence worth thinking about as you approach a corner. If that had been a run off area instead of gravel would he have pushed even deeper on the next lap, and the next until he had a massive accident? Hopefully the consequences of a mistake sunk in as he sat there waiting for a tow.

Today is a indication that traction control and other ‘driver aids’ made it too easy for drivers to get in a car and race - never needing to find the limit through experience. No disrespect to Lewis Hamilton but how much of his success was the man and how much was the computer in 2007? From today’s performance, I think the computer played at least a minor role in his unprecedented debut.

Here’s to 2008, year of the driver, not the driver aid.

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Race fans of all descriptions in Toronto, Canada were given a special treat today - a visit from Sir Jackie Stewart: three times F1 World Champion, ambassador of motor racing, former team owner, and former President of the British Racing Driver’s Club. To this long and distinguished list can now be added the title of author. Jackie was in town to sign copies of his new autobiography, “Winning is Not Enough.”

The event was scheduled to kick off at 7 PM with the arrival of Sir Jackie and it is with no embarrassment that I admit that I was jittery with excitement throughout the day. In fact, a disturbing portion of my day was spent determining exactly how early I should plan to line up.

The early bird gets the worm, or in this case the front row seat and when its a living legend is on stage, you don’t want to be in the back of the theater. Anyone who has heard Jackie speak before knows to expect a warm and witty evening of stories. However, I think everyone in attendance was delighted with the intimacy and charm Stewart shared with his audience as he described the details of his life inside and outside of racing. For the best part of an hour I, like everyone in the crowd, hung on every word and cherished every anecdote.

Its been nearly 35 years since Jackie raced in F1 and the sport is barely recognizable now from what it was then. These days, the paddock is closed off to fans, the drivers do not have friendships with one another and the driver salaries have skyrocketed. But, the tracks and cars are safer and drivers do not leave home for a race thinking they might not return. For these things, we have Jackie Stewart to thank.

Jackie should forever be remembered as much for his safety crusade as for his success on the track. While some people felt that race drivers should be prepared to accept death as part of racing, Jackie believed that it was the skill and not the risk that was the heart of the sport. How right he was.

The book though, is not just about racing, it is about the rich life he shared with family, friends and contemporaries. I can’t comment on the prose or pace of the writing as I am just sitting down to read it. However, I can say that Jackie Stewart is a gifted storyteller with an epic story to tell and that fills me with optimism.

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