Immediately prior to each race, all the cars are brought to the official assembly area, where they come under the control of the Race Stewards.  At this stage I know that there is no going back -  it's time to pull on the flameproof balaclava, helmet and gloves and for final words with Richard and Andy.  Then the field is released onto the circuit and forms the provisional grid.  There, we wait to be waved away on to the Green Flag lap - a chance to heat up tyres and brakes - before assembling once more on the Start Line.  The red lights illuminate.  They will extinguish no less than two and no more than seven seconds later.  Depart.