French cyclist to conquer fear of speed by 'kill-or-cure' racing on F1 track

A French cyclist will reportedly race a Formula One car around a Grand Prix circuit to conquer his fear of speed, in a 'kill-or-cure' theory.

According to Metro.co.uk, Thibaut Pinot, who is one of France's brightest road-racing prospects, having won a stage at last year's Tour de France, suffers from the phobia, which affects his ability and threatens to derail his career.

The report said that Pinot, who traces the problem back to a serious crash he suffered while he was 12 years old, would drive an F1 car at speeds of up to 120mph around the Magny-Cours track in France at the end of his season with the help of former racing driver Max Mamers.

Stating that he followed Pinot's results since he was twenty years old, Mamers said that when he saw Pinot petrified while descending down the Paris-Correze track, he decided to help Pinot overcome his fear of speed.

According to Mamers, Pinot will have an instructor with him at the beginning of the ride and then will drive alone, adding that there is no risk to his life with the run-offs at the Magny-Cours.