MTH: He's bullied by Sebulba in more than one scene before the race. He's a slave to Watto who treats him like crap. His friends make fun of him, telling him he's going to be "bug squat" or whatever. That sort of treatment causes a great deal of anger in a person. He's happy to be helping people and racing again so he can feel a sense of approval from someone other than his mother.

I don't think it diminishes his ability at all. He plays fair through the whole race. But after Sebulba sabotages his pod, ambushes him, uses flame throwers and everything else, I don't think we can blame him for finally defending himself at the very end. And again, it would be more of a reflex, an unintentional burst of power that just happens to seal the deal for him after it's clear Sebulba wasn't looking for a fair race. QG may sense it, but figure it can be dealt with later in his training. The boy's abilities become extremely apparent, instead of just a vague "feeling" QG has.

Remember, he's lost all the other races he's been in. He may be a good pilot, but it's his use of the Force that will put him over the top this time. More importantly, what Anakin learns from winning the race is a very dangerous thing, that he can control his destiny and others' by using his power even when he knows he shouldn't do it -- An echo of what's to come later, when he wants to control other things in his life, but his powers aren't enough.

That's my opinion right now anyway. Feel free to convince me otherwise.

--InfoDroid