17 Oct 06
However, today there is no track to speak of, just a series of reservoirs dotted around stretches of tarmac. In many ways this is ideal - if I really had just bought a 997 Turbo, it would be vital for me to be confident in it in the wet. The tyres also add an extra challenge: we are on Michelin Cup tyres, which are almost slicks, and however much we tiptoe into a corner you can almost hear the car changing its mind about which wheel to transfer maximum energy to.
We come in after a couple of laps. It's somewhat hairy out there but I need to be taught how to handle such power in these conditions, so we head indoors for some expert advice on guiding this 480bhp missile.
'It's about knowing what to expect when things go awry - roadcraft essentially,' Halton tells me.
That sounds pretty straightforward.
When the rain eases off, we grab our helmets and get ready to put some of the theory into practice on our first proper run. I have never driven at Donington before, so it's new and full of surprises - just like the roads would be if I was a new owner going off for an adventure in my 911 Turbo.
I should add at this point that not only is the track dicey because of the weather conditions: the circuit also happens to abut East Midlands Airport and is therefore the dumping ground for excess fuel for many aircraft making their final approach before landing. So we have a skidpan, 480bhp and a full set of virtual slicks: all that's missing is Ravel's Bolero.
