Fabian Coulthard: Mixing with F1 big boys

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It is always fun sharing the stage with the big boys from Formula One and, from our point of view, the Albert Park 400 has got a whole lot more interesting in 2011.

It has always been a non-championship race and in the past most drivers have treated it as a glorified test run. This year there is A$500,000 prize money up for grabs, which will definitely spice things up a bit. Racing for money is an unusual situation as most of us are on salary.

The other unique aspect of this weekend was the radical start format for race one yesterday, where the qualifying positions were reversed. Most of the drivers were not exactly in favour of it, but we understand that by putting some of the faster drivers towards the back of the grid it can make for exciting racing - always the goal.

Though it does blur the line between entertainment and motorsport. They would never get away with it if championship points were up for grabs, as there is essentially a disincentive to qualify in the top eight.

I know that F1 is a huge business and they like to keep their prestige, but it is a shame that the teams and drivers aren't more accessible. It is even difficult for we drivers to get the chance to mix and mingle with the F1 teams and drivers, so imagine what it is like for the general public to get a glimpse of their heroes.

One thing we do have in common is driver rivalries. Just like in F1, there are drivers who don't see eye to eye at all - on and off the track. Personally I think it is a shame and we should be able to leave it all on the track and have a Bundaberg together - but it doesn't always happen. Obviously you can't always be the nice guy but I think it is better to leave the emotion out of it. Some of the feuds are quite long running - and that's just the way it is.

In V8 Supercars, there are certain codes that are followed and if you want to dish it out, you have to be prepared to get it back. It is the law of the jungle out there and the reality is there is also team racing at times.

So if you have done something to create conflict or danger, then they will repay the favour at some time in the future.

It is a side of the sport that the public often doesn't see.