Alain had gained the nickname ‘the professor’ for his very analytical approach to the sport, particularly his attention to detail in achieving a set-up that suited his ultra-smooth driving style. He was the opposite of the swashbuckling image of a racing driver, always very reserved and thoughtful, but quite nervy – often worrying at his fingernails, which were always bitten down to the quick. Unlike Nigel, who used to ‘bully’ the car, you never saw Alain’s car slide or step out of line. His progress seemed almost stately. You could be forgiven for thinking he was slow until you looked at the
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