Evening,

If you discount wine women and song, last night was one of the best evenings I have had in a long time.

Through one of the Titanic 6 10 of us were invited to view the Renault F1 teams facility in leafy Oxfordshire.

To say that "I didnt know there was so much in it" is an understatement. Did you know that they employ 450 people in the UK and a further 400 in France? 90% of the car is manufactured in house? They have their own wind tunnel and numerous JOBS machines and other really techie stuff which makes me go all geek...

Fantastic night out, thanks John and Jon.

As the tour was coming to an end we were in the part of the shop where they keep all the body panels and wings for various tracks. On the bench, being made up was a nose and rear wing with the words "Top Gear" on them.

When questioned our host told us that Renault had been invited to run a car around the TG test track to see what it could do. Initially they declined but then saw the PR advantage and decided to go ahead.

They are taking it VERY seriously with a full aerodynamic package, special tyres and a host of other goodies. They dont want to go and set a time and then have BAR come and beat it the next week...

So, what do they reckon they will do? Best lap is 1.19 in the Enzo I believe. How does 55 seconds grab you.... 900hp in a car weighing 600KG has to put in a quick time!.

The caveat is that if it is damp or raining the time will be very much slower as the track is "green" with no rubber layed down and very dusty.

Who is to drive? Why the Stig of course, making it 9 in total then... Anyones guess Truli, that funny little Canadian bloke? who knows.

8th December is the date for the attempt which should mean it airs for the Chrimbo special.

If I find out what the time is I will let you know....

P.