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This is one of two ‘Hypersonic’ cars available to ride in at Silverstone. They are reconditioned, 3.7 litre, GP2 genuine race cars modified to have a ‘fighter jet’ style cockpit allowing one lucky passenger to sit behind the driver.

That’s what I did. Top speed was 161mph down Hanger Straight. I’ve never felt G-forces trying to pull the helmet off my head before or felt every organ in my chest being forced towards the front of my rib cage as I decelerated – all with my a*se about six inches off the ground. We zipped past Aston Martins and Ferraris that were taking people round the track like they were snails. We took corners so fast, braked so late and zipped through apexes like true Gods of racing. It was the most fun I’ve had in ages. And it only lasted three minutes.

I can only say this – if you like racing and you visit Silverstone, you’d be mad to not go out in one of these things. Unless you’re a professional racing driver, it’ll be the closest you’ll ever get to experiencing just a small percent of what it must be like to be an F1 car. I’m sure that the driver could’ve gone faster too.

What fun.