“Professional drivers have enhanced their health and fitness in order to gain the competitive edge,” said author Dr Patrick Jacobs, whose study is published in the December issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.

“We were able to match the science with the drivers on the tracks where they compete and confirm that they are well-conditioned athletes with cardiorespiratory fitness comparable to other elite athletes.”

Researchers used advanced technology to measure heart rate and oxygen consumption during high-speed driving sessions.

“One of the questions I am asked most often has been: Are drivers athletes? The study that Dr Jacobs and I did has now settled this question once and for all,” said Dr Steve Olvey, CART’s Director of Medical Affairs.

“Those of us who work closely with professional racing drivers have, for a long time, known how severe the physical demands are to operate one of these cars competitively.

“Racing drivers will now be recognised in the sports world as real athletes, and will be accorded the respect they deserve by researchers and providers of fitness, nutritional, and medical expertise worldwide.”