As a leading supplier of prestige & high performance cars and with a particular speciality in the supply and race preparation of F1 cars, Cars International are especially well equipped to deal with unusual and demanding motor sport challenges.

One such challenge came recently from Celebrity TV Chef James Martin. Well known as something of a “Petrolhead”, it is not commonly known that James has serious ambitions in Classic Motorsport. And specifically, to drive an F1 Car in the Monaco Classic.

Can Cars International make it happen? Who better!?

Cars International supplied the car, arranged driver coaching and, with the aim of making James into an F1 driver in just one day, invited TV’s Fifth Gear programme along to record his progress.

Preparation is, of course the key to success. Responsibility for the meticulous preparation of the car fell to Cars International Chief Engineer Tim Preston, a man whose F1 career includes time at Williams Grand Prix with Damon Hill, Juan Pablo Montoya and Jacques Villeneuve. The specially chosen Benetton 196, formerly campaigned by Jean Alesi, spent weeks in the care of the Cars International engineering facility, emerging “Ready to Race” on the appointed day.

With coaching from former British Touring Cars champion and Fifth Gear presenter Jason Plato and assistance from the Cars International F1 professionals, James’ progress was exceptional and he couldn’t hide his delight at the fact:

“I’m thrilled to have taken my first step on the road to fulfilling my ambition, to one day drive an F1 car at Monaco”, enthused James.

Cars International will continue to assist James Martin in achieving his motorsport ambitions, having helped him to obtain his Competition Licence. And James is dedicated to improving his F1 skills in a Cars International car. . . . Monaco here we come!