This didn't get off to a good start for me. I set off with only one headlight which seemed to be pointing upwards, in the dark and in torrential rain. At one point with no street lights very few cats eyes, and with my visor steaming up I slowed down to third gear on a dual carriageway, as I couldn't see anything. I just had to wait for a real car to overtake me and then I could follow it. I was so relieved when the sun at last rose at 7.40.

As for the track conditions: I've never known a track be so slippery (and it didn't rain once we were there). I was following a caterham on the sighting laps (i.e no more than 60mph) and he lost control twice on the first lap, the second time spinning right off! Then as soon as the pace car pulled in an MG lost it on Hangar (a popular place to park today) and the session ended.

I couldn't accelerate at all unless I was pointing straight ahead, and even then the wheels would spin in fourth gear at 4000rpm if I put my foot to the floor (that's with 170bhp, so not monster power) I couldn't accelerate at all round Woodcote all day long, whereas normally it's easy flat out.

I was helped by some tuition where I learned that in such conditions the standard racing line is not the one to take. (Didn't know that before.) So I learned some very weird new lines which basically involved zig zagging across the standard line. Odd, but it seemed to work, though I think those who saw me (and Mark) doing this may have wondered what the hell we were up to.

Definitely not the usual Silverstone thrill, but kind of enjoyable in its own way. And I had my first spin in the Westfield. This happened after I was being held up by an Exige through a few laps. I thought there was enough room to get past between Bridge and Priory. Even though the driver hadn't indicated to let me pass I went for it, as he was quite a way to my left. I got past ok. The problem was braking for Priory in the greasy conditions. I just about managed to keep it on the track, but the Exige driver wasn't too impressed with my clumsy manoeuvre, so there was quite a bit of light flashing and hand gestures. I was a bit embarrassed about this, so tried to get as much distance between me and him as fast as possible. It was this that caused the spin. I tried to get the power down too soon out of Luffield, and round I went. The Exige then caught me up and finished by sounding his horn as he went past. After the session I went over an apologized for the manoeuvre, and all was fine again.

Leon Bouttell's lovely and quick Vx powered Westfield. (Many thanks to Leon for the pictures.)