KENNETH STEPHEN

You would imagine that after two decades Allan McNish's excitement at the start of another motor racing season would diminish. Down the phone line from his Monaco apartment, there is a palpable tone of frustration. For the next few months he will spend only pockets of time with two-year-old son Finlay, wife Kelly and the McNish cat, Mojo.

The view over the yachts on the harbour is something he will recall on lonely nights in American hotels but suggestions McNish is mellowing with age or fatherhood are wide of the mark. In many ways, he's like the child who never tires of Christmas.

The year 2006 was a watershed for the 37-year-old and for Audi's innovative diesel R10 TDI. McNish and Rinaldo Capello outshine all opposition with a 100% record in the American Le Mans Series, leaving the Dyson Lolas and works Zytecs lagging in their fumes.

Today, McNish, Capello and Tom Kristensen tackle the 12-hour challenge of Sebring, the pinnacle of endurance sportscar racing USA-style, in the first race of their title defence.

A victory would write McNish into the history books as the only driver in the race's 55-year span to win three times. Despite savouring the quality winter months with the family, the Scot is aching to get the gloves back on.

"Last year, I spent 220 nights in hotels. That's hard," he points out. "It's a way of life not eating at your own table, never sleeping in your own bed and travelling two thirds of the year. But the day I don't want to get on that flight is the day I'll stop because that's when I'll start to lose."

Passion has driven McNish's career since he was haring round circuits near his home town of Dumfries, dreaming of a Grand Prix seat. Little has changed. Two ALMS titles, victory at Le Mans and three years in Formula One have done nothing to suppress his appetite.

These days, Mrs McNish and son can travel with him, something the Audi team facilitate. Still, three years short of 40, he has no doubts that the circuit and not the school-run is where his talents are best practised.

"This is the life I am used to now. To be honest, I think I would struggle coming in from work at 5pm every night and having my tea. Obviously, I know there will come a time when I am not racing and another part of my life will happen. But I focus on one day at a time and, at the moment, my sole focus is Sebring." The McNish mantra this year is simple. "Hopefully we can win the championship again. Also, I would love to win the Le Mans 24 hour race in an Audi."

Aside from his own commitments, McNish remains a student of all things cars. With the F1 season opening in Australia, he will thirst for updates from Melbourne. With the pre-season talk focusing on how Lewis Hamilton will cope with his graduation, McNish feels the real battle will be between Ferrari's Felipe Massa and McLaren's Fernando Alonso.

As for his fellow Scot, David Coulthard, McNish feels the Red Bull package still doesn't have the required edge yet. "There has been a lot of hype around Red Bull because of them being under designer Adrian Newey, but the Renault-powered car will not take them to race wins just yet, until they get talent in depth."