ICE THE FINNISH SECRET

Not so, according to 1982 champion and original Flying Finn, Keke Rosberg, whose German-born teenage son is now Williams' second test driver.

Since Keke, Mika Hakkinen and Kimi Raikkonen have helped set the grand prix pace, while Mika Salo came close to winning a race and Heikki Kovalainen threatens to join in.

The secret, Rosberg said, is a long, cold winter.

"We drive for months on snow and ice," 56-year-old Keke told the German Bild newspaper.

"Whether you're a housewife or a taxi driver, everyone must slide skilfully around a corner."

And, then, there's the 'ice cool' Finnish personality. Raikkonen, for example, wears an 'iceman' moniker on his helmet.

"Before Kimi was famous," Rosberg grinned, "if he wanted to go to a disco he would stand in line in minus 25 degrees." -GMM