McNish in Good Shape for F1 Debut

Formula One newcomer Allan McNish believes there is no substitute for old fashioned legwork when it comes to learning a new circuit.

While the likes of Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya and Jacques Villeneuve use Playstation computer games to acquaint themselves with unfamiliar tracks, the 32-year-old Scot prefers pounding the asphalt.

The Toyota driver, who has been jogging around the street circuit ahead of Sunday's season-opening Australian Grand Prix, told Reuters on Wednesday: "I do it at most circuits... because you've got to keep quite fit, but also because it gives me a good feeling for the circuit.

"There are things that you can't really see on television... I've heard of people playing computer games but I've never really found the same sort of detail as when I'm actually there with my own two eyes and running around.

"I think it's very difficult to simulate what a racing car is like, especially a Formula One car.

"It was a bit tricky when I was running around Albert Park because part of it was still open, there were cars parked and bikes and things. "I think it will be a bit different in a Formula One car."

Debut Drivers

McNish is one of four drivers who will be making their F1 debut on the 5.3 km circuit while Minardi's Malaysian driver Alex Yoong will be driving at the circuit for the first time after starting his F1 career at Monza in Italy last September.

The Scot is the oldest of that bunch and, like former CART champion Montoya last season, does not regard himself as a rookie after years in motorsport. However, if Toyota are to be believed, he is less likely to get among the points early on than Brazilian Felipe Massa at Sauber or Japan's Takuma Sato at Jordan.

Despite having one of the biggest budgets of any team, Toyota are insisting that their main aim for the season is to gain experience and earn respect.

"If we can finish the race it will be a big day for us," said Toyota boss Ove Andersson.

Apart from Australian Mark Webber, making his first appearance for Minardi before a home crowd, McNish is probably the one feeling most at home in Australia.

"As soon as I switched on the television when I got in to the hotel, Liverpool were playing Everton," he said. "I thought, blooming heck, it is just like being at home."