In Adelaide it manifested itself in two accidents in successive days Most unusual Then victory in Brazil was taken away. Schumacher is understandably angered by allegations of foul play that have tainted his successes, though the scam (for such it was) at the weigh-in, another manifestation, was, one team insider insists, all Schumacher’s idea.
Even without Hill’s dominance the intensity of things may be gnawing at the Champion’s nerves. Though fortune smiled on him in Paris on Thursday, Schumacher is entering a critical new phase, that of the Champion Under Pressure We began to see the first signs in Suzuka last year. It was, perhaps, symbolic of a subtle change in the German’s career path. And if remarks about quitting Formula One for IndyCar, recently attributed to him, are given any serious credence, he may challenge Nigel Mansell as Whinge Champion. It was a vital psychological blow for the Englishman, the first time that he has accomplished such a feat on the road.

IT WILL not be easy for Michael Schumacher to forget being overtaken by Damon Hill in last week’s Argentinian Grand Prix. God help him if one of them is actually fishing.So much for a day’s charity fishing with celebrities of the angling world. I’m merely being invited along to watch others fish and being asked to pay for the privilege at that. I wouldn’t be surprised if he takes £7.50 out of my account without telling me. I can’t think of anything more boring than watching others fish – except, perhaps, going fishing with your bank manager.. Would you kindly let us know as soon as possible if you will be joining us.”What? The treacherous bastard! I hope he’s sent the same letter to David Profumo of the Daily Telegraph, Tom Fort of the Financial Times, Brian Clarke of the Times and even Stan Plecha on the Sun. Already Chris Tarrant and Roger Daltrey had agreed to fish, along with a few trout fishers who pen columns to the monthlies and claim they are journalists.

The response has been overwhelming, and it promises to be a great day blah blah blah. .But then came the crunch.”We are limited to the numbers of fishermen on the day, but would welcome non-fishing guests to watch and join us for lunch The cost for lunch will be £7.50 per head. The contest was between the bank, a team of fishery managers and owners, the Trout Society and a celebrity team. It’s been a busy time, and I forgot all about his invitation.

Then, this week, an envelope marked “Personal” arrived with the bank’s logo. The letter was headed NATWEST STILL WATER TROPHY 6 MAY 1995 and opened: “Dear Keith” (not Mr Elliott, I noted).”You will recall that, last time we met, I mentioned that I have arranged a charity fly fishing match on 6 May.”Good old Don! (First-name terms now.) I read on. However, it’s no bad thing to perpetuate the myth, especially if your bank manager believes that Hardy Brothers design all your rods just so they can claim you are a customer.That meeting was a couple of months ago. I get a few books, it’s true, but none of the other stuff, whatever people think, is available to the average hack. He even said that next time we should have our meeting over lunch – and he would pay. Suddenly I foresaw my relationship with NatWest entering a new and more favourable phase.Of course, I never sent him those unique items of tackle, invited him to stretches of the Test or Kennet, or even forwarded any books.