192 THAT CIRCUIT IS THE GEAR...

I was watching some old Top Gear episodes recently. I came across the episode where the presenters chose their favourite hot hatchbacks and were sent to Italy to complete several challenges (Series 17, Episode 2, if you are interested).

Clarkson rocked up in the Citroen DS3 Racing, Hammond championed the Fiat 500C Abarth, and May made the case for the Renaultsport Clio Cup. They attempted to navigate their way around baffling Italian towns and take part in a scavenger hunt before heading up to Monte Carlo, where they're faced with a surprise test of their cars' performance.

Bernie Eccleston arranged for the guys to do a couple of hot laps around the F1 circuit before the race. Clarkson took it seriously, speaking with David Couthard, Mark Webber and Rubens Barrichello. At the same time, Hammond and May attended several parties on the Mega Yachts that litter the harbour. They claimed they had spoken to the Irish F1 driver Tim O'Glock, much to Clarkson's annoyance.

They headed out, did two flying laps, almost crashed multiple times, and, in a break from the conventional norm, there was overtaking a plenty on the tight, twisty city circuit. They all agreed that it was a brilliant experience, something they will never forget.

We will not be able to tear around Monaco in our little cars, tyres screaming in pain as we clip apexes at maximum attack. Still, it was interesting to see what ordinary little cars do on the most famous circuit in the world.

Click on the video below to watch the presenters hoon around.