Dieter Rencken talks to one of the FIA's medical experts about how and why Michael Schumacher will be able to take on drivers half his age well into his 40s

Back in May 2006, during the second of three events staged by the now defunct Grand Prix Masters series, its medical director Dr Stephen Olvey, known for saving the life and racing career of Alex Zanardi, granted this column an interview focussing on the effects of the aging process on race drivers.

Our discussion took place in Qatar the evening before what was retrospectively hyped as 'the world's hottest ever race' with in-car temperatures hitting a record 77C – nine higher than the previous highest figure – and during the race none of the illustrious pilotes anciens retired due to the conditions despite the 44C ambient heat visibly taking its toll.

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