In the ever-evolving world of motorsports, the age-old debate rages on: which is the true determinant of speed – the car or the driver? AutoTrader, the renowned used car listings brand, has decided to put this question to the test in a thrilling challenge that pits a former Top Gear host against a GT Academy winner, each behind the wheel of a different Audi performance machine.

Unleashing the Power of Passion and Precision

The Slow Driver, the Fast Car

Rory Reid, the former Top Gear host, is no stranger to the world of high-performance vehicles. As the face of AutoTrader's YouTube channel since 2019, he has honed his skills behind the wheel of numerous rapid cars, including on the track. However, for this challenge, he finds himself in the driver's seat of the ultimate Audi R8 – the final hurrah for the iconic supercar.

Reid's familiarity with the Dunsfold Aerodrome, the former Top Gear test track, gives him a distinct advantage. Having navigated these winding roads countless times, he is well-versed in the nuances of the circuit, ready to push the R8 to its limits. With the rear-wheel-drive configuration and the raw power of the R8, Reid is confident that he can outpace his rival, even with his self-proclaimed "slow" driving abilities.

As the challenge begins, Reid takes to the track, determined to prove his mettle. However, the initial laps do not go as smoothly as planned, with the R8 spinning through the Follow-Through kink, a testament to the sheer power and responsiveness of the machine. Undeterred, Reid regains control and sets out to lay down the fastest time possible, his experience and local knowledge serving as his greatest assets.

The Fast Driver, the Slow Car

On the other side of the equation, Jann Mardenborough, the GT Academy winner, faces a different challenge. Unfamiliar with the Dunsfold Aerodrome, Mardenborough must rely on his skills honed through virtual racing in Gran Turismo 5 to navigate the circuit. However, his weapon of choice is not the mighty R8, but rather the more modest Audi S3 hatchback.

With 333 horsepower and all-wheel drive, the S3 is no slouch, but it pales in comparison to the raw power and performance of the R8. Mardenborough must use his exceptional driving abilities to extract every ounce of performance from the S3, pushing the limits of the car's capabilities to match the pace of Reid's supercar.

As Mardenborough heads out for his learning laps, he is interviewed by co-host Alex Legouix, discussing his remarkable journey from Gran Turismo gamer to professional racing driver. The conversation touches on his success in the GT Academy, his role in the Gran Turismo movie, and the infamous incident at the Nürburgring in 2015, further adding to the intrigue and drama of the challenge.

The Showdown: Slow Driver, Fast Car vs. Fast Driver, Slow Car

The stage is set, and the two drivers take to the track, each determined to prove their mettle. The challenge is simple: set the best possible time around the Dunsfold Aerodrome circuit. With Reid's confidence high and Mardenborough's experience in virtual racing, the battle promises to be a thrilling one.

As the laps unfold, the times of the two drivers are closely matched, defying the conventional wisdom that a fast car driven by a slow driver would be no match for a fast driver in a slow car. The results of the head-to-head challenge are not revealed, leaving the audience in suspense, eager to discover which combination of driver and machine emerges victorious.

Interestingly, the times set by both drivers are found to be just about level with the official Power Lap time set by The Stig in the TVR Sagaris back in 2005, further highlighting the impressive performance of the Audi machines and the skill of the drivers involved.