Video: Jonny Dangerous takes on British touring car champ Fabrizio Giovanadi

Jun 14 2009 by Jonny Greatrex, Sunday Mercury

Fabrizio hammered down the start straight before slamming on the brakes and changing into second gear as the front of the car seemed to dip into the tarmac, ready for the first bend.

As soon as he turned in, he booted the power again, emerging from the corner faster than when he went in – with screeching tyres in the background.

My palms had become coated in a layer of sweat. I tried to give the outward impression of bravery as we took a left hander at 85mph – but my girly scream gave me away. As we approached the chicane I was certain we were going to brake or at least lift off.

Instead, nonchalantly, Fabrizio guided us through with a well-timed flick of the wrist as the car lunged one way and then the other.

And all the while he was having a conversation about the track and car with me! He slung the Corsa around in 1m 46 secs, then took me into the pit lane to watch the footage of my first laps.

“Slow the car down before the bend, change down and pick your line,” he explained.

“If you need to turn tighter then lift off the power, if you want to go wider press down, then get on the gas as soon as you are out of the turn.”

I listened carefully and tried to put his words into action when I took the motor out again. But despite his constant coaching, and a slight improvement in style, the best I could manage was a pathetic 1m 59 secs.

I won’t be giving up the day job just yet...