In a thrilling episode of Top Gear Series 5, hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May competed in an intense race from the show’s Guildford studio to Verbier, Switzerland. Clarkson drove a powerful Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, narrowly defeating his co-hosts who relied on planes, trains, and buses.
The Race Begins Before Dawn
The challenge kicked off in the early hours. Hammond and May headed to Guildford station, catching a train and bus to London’s Heathrow Airport for their initial flight. This gave Clarkson an early advantage, as his Ferrari covered 100 miles into France before his rivals even boarded their plane.
Clarkson’s journey hit a minor snag when the Scaglietti developed a rattle, but it did not slow the car’s impressive pace. Meanwhile, Hammond and May gained ground after their flight landed early in Geneva. At one point, Clarkson trailed by about 250 miles north of Dijon, leading him to doubt his chances. He paused briefly to address the rattle but continued pushing forward.
Delays and a Dramatic Chase
Hammond and May faced setbacks in Switzerland, transferring from Geneva to Martigny by train, then to Le Chable, before boarding a bus to Verbier. A short walk to the ski lodge finish line followed. As they searched for the checkered flag, Clarkson’s Ferrari rounded the corner, bringing the trio together in a dramatic roadside encounter.
May reacted with disbelief, tossing his luggage into the road and exclaiming, ‘You’ve got to be kidding. I can’t believe that.’ Clarkson, equally stunned, replied, ‘I can’t believe this. No one is going to believe.’ He swiftly jumped back into the Ferrari and sped to the finish, arriving just minutes ahead.
Clarkson’s Triumphant Conclusion
Reflecting on the outcome, Clarkson stated, ‘So there we are, the best integrated public transport system in the world, allied to a plane that actually arrived at Geneva early, was beaten by a car.’ The race highlighted the Ferrari’s 5.7-liter V12 engine’s prowess against efficient public transport, delivering a close and memorable victory.
