In a thrilling episode of Top Gear Series 5, hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May compete in a high-stakes race from the show’s Guildford studio to Verbier, Switzerland. Clarkson pilots a powerful Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, while Hammond and May rely on planes, trains, and buses to test public transport against supercar speed.
The Race Kicks Off Before Dawn
The challenge launches in the early morning hours. Hammond and May head directly to Guildford station, catching a train and bus to London’s Heathrow Airport for their initial flight. This route gives Clarkson an immediate advantage, as his Ferrari covers 100 miles through France before his co-hosts even board their plane.
Clarkson’s journey encounters a minor setback when the Scaglietti develops a persistent rattle. Despite the noise, the car’s performance remains unaffected, allowing him to maintain momentum. Meanwhile, Hammond and May’s flight lands them in Geneva ahead of schedule, putting them in the lead as Clarkson navigates north of Dijon, trailing by about 250 miles.
Closing the Gap on Twisting Roads
Clarkson pauses briefly to address the rattle but refuses to concede. He pushes the Ferrari’s 5.7-liter V12 engine to its limits, steadily narrowing the distance. On the Swiss side, Hammond and May face delays after Geneva, transferring to trains bound for Martigny and then Le Chable before boarding a bus to Verbier and walking to the ski lodge finish line.
As the duo searches frantically for the checkered flag, Clarkson rounds a corner in dramatic fashion. The three hosts converge in the middle of the road. May, spotting the Ferrari, hurls his luggage down and exclaims, “You’ve got to be kidding. I can’t believe that.” Clarkson responds with disbelief, saying, “I can’t believe this. No one is going to believe.” He jumps into the car and speeds off, leaving his co-hosts behind.
A Narrow Victory for the Supercar
Clarkson crosses the finish line just minutes ahead, proving the Ferrari’s edge. Reflecting on the outcome, he notes, “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 highlights the enduring appeal of high-performance vehicles in a world of efficient transit options.
