Benfatto was a really nice guy but absolutely bat crazy at contest time. When he came into Australia he had enough prescription sleeping tabs for about 3 years. He got caught at customs and his defense was that they were available over the counter at home in South Africa and it made good financial sense to buy in bulk.
At the 2006 Australian Grand Prix a mate of mine came home from the casino as drunk as hell at about 2:30 in the morning. Staggering back to the contest hotel, he could see a disheveled figure doing laps of the perimeter of the hotel in the distance. We he got closer he could see the guy had on slippers and a dressing gown and was walking with great purpose and fury.
Yep, Francis, getting in some last minute cardio the night before the big show.
Whatever he did, he had better condition at 48 than most people have in their life. A great guest and a funny, humble man.