Saturday May 5th sees the annual Italian Car Day return to the grounds of ‘the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit’ at Brooklands in Weybridge, Surrey.

Last year saw more than 2,000 Italian cars assemble on the grounds – with no less than 240 Ferraris – and this year looks like featuring even more.

Event organiser Phil Ward of GB Promotions says: “The greatest thing about the event is that it welcomes Italian car enthusiasts and owners, regardless of whether they own a famous historic racing car, the latest road-going Ferrari, a much-loved classic or the smallest, most affordable modern Fiat on the market. Anyone who turns up in an Italian car – or motorcycle – forms part of the display, rather than being merely a spectator.”

Last year, 5,000 visitors enjoyed the privilege of viewing some of the most stylish and classiest cars that have ever existed; something that is obviously to be expected from the country of style. Ferraris, Maseratis,  Lamborghinis, Abarth, Bizzarrini, De Tomaso, Innocenti, Moretti, Siata… and so many many more will be on show. The many Italian car club members will be showing off their cars with pride; buffed and bolstered ready for display with a beaming owner stood next to them or in the cockpit. And there’ll even be a few Italian brands that many will not have heard of (I’ll not spoil that surprise for you.)

“In addition to the vast displays of exotica and ‘obscurati’, there is always a good, solid turn-out of classic and modern Alfa Romeos, Fiats and Lancias, so no one need feel outshone when they turn up in their Italian pride and joy and park up with similar models,” adds Phil Ward.

And there’ll be the good and the great too, from Ferrari Enzo, F50, 288GTO and 275GTB, through to the ex-Rob Walker Ferrari 250 SWB that Sir Stirling Moss drove repeatedly to victory in his heyday!

And the fun isn’t just confined to walking around looking at the big, bold and beautiful. Although Brooklands has actually been closed for racing since 1939, there is still a spectacular museum there and a large area of the original banking that has survived since the halcyon pre-War racing times, and the ‘test hill’ and the Mercedes-Benz World test track will be used to run selected Italian cars during the day.

How the event has moved on since its inception in 1986 with 85 people and a champagne picnic back at Syon Park. Moving to Brooklands in 1996, it has become the UK’s largest gathering of Italian cars and the biggest event of the year to be held there.

“We remain true to our original aim of providing a real enthusiasts’ event, with a low entry price, to cater for everyone who owns – or simply admires – Italian cars and motorcycles,” concludes Phil.

Pre-booking and early arrival is advisable for fast-track entry and you can buy tickets from www.brooklandsmuseumshop.com or by ringing 01932 857381 Ext 268. Advance tickets are available until midday on Tuesday 1st May 2012 and are cheaper in advance. You can get a £32 family ticket (2 adults and 3 children aged 5-16) too!

Pardon the pun, but full (Italian) marques to the organisers.

You can now take advantage of FREE Metallic Paint worth up to £510 when you lease selected stock Alfa Romeo Giulietta models with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts.

Inspired by the mythical Giulietta from the 1950’s, the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta oozes classic Italian good-looks, excellent levels of comfort and an impressive dynamic performance to rival even the hottest of hatchbacks.

But it’s under the bonnet that the Giulietta truly impresses with the 1.6 JTDM-2 second generation MultiJet engine delivering 105 bhp, with reduced fuel consumption and low CO2 figures.

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has a fantastic stock offer on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.6 JTDM-2 Lusso, available to lease from just £229.95 + VAT a month with FREE Metallic Paint in Black, Silver or Red.

The high spec 1.6 JTDM-2 Lusso comes well equipped with the following features:

• Blue & Me Hands Free Bluetooth System

• Competizione Cloth Upholstery

• Radio/CD + MP3 and Aux In

• Cruise Control

• Daytime Running Lights

• Rear Parking Sensor

• Leather Steering Wheel

• Dual Zone Climate Control

• 16″ 5 Double Spoke Alloy Wheels

To find out more about the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and to take advantage of this fantastic stock offer, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

Like this deal? Join our mailing list to receive weekly emails with our latest car leasing offers straight to your inbox!

Don’t miss out on some great pre-registered 11 plate deals available on the stunning Alfa Romeo Giulietta, in stock to lease from just £219.95 + VAT a month.

Inspired by the mythical Giulietta from the 1950’s which caught the imagination of car enthusiasts worldwide, the latest generation Alfa Romeo Giulietta oozes classic Italian good-looks, excellent levels of comfort and an impressive dynamic performance to rival even the hottest of hatchbacks.

For a strictly limited time, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has a fantastic pre-registered 11 plate deal on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.6 Jtdm-2 Lusso, in stock to lease from just £219.95 + VAT. This stunning model comes well-equipped with the following features as standard:

• Blue & Me Hands Free Bluetooth System
• Cruise Control
• Rear Parking Sensor
• Daytime Running Lights
• Dual Zone Climate Control
• 16″ Alloy Wheels

To take advantage of this fantastic Alfa Romeo car leasing deal, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available.  Terms & Conditions Apply.

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has reduced the Alfa Romeo Mito 2011 1.4 TB Multiair 135bhp Lusso  by up to £15 a month with prices now starting from £184.95 + VAT a month.

Voted ‘Best Supermini’ at the 2010 What Car? Awards, the super-hot Alfa Romeo Mito boasts classic Italian good-looks, a luxurious interior and Alfa’s award-winning MultiAir technology. The 1.4 TB 135bhp petrol engine also boasts some impressive performance figures of its own, accelerating from 0-60mph in just over 8 seconds whilst still maintaining an amazing 60 mpg!

You can now save up to £15 a month on the Alfa Romeo Mito 2011 1.4 TB Multiair 135bhp Lusso when you lease with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts. Prices start from just £184.95 + VAT a month with vehicles in stock for quick delivery. Nationwide Vehicle Contracts are also offering FREE Metallic Paint in Etna Black or Techno Grey with selected models ordered before the end of the month.

To take advantage of this special Alfa Romeo car leasing offer, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts today on 0844 482 9595.

Above prices are based on a 4 year, 10000 miles per annum contract. Prices exclude vat, processing payment and initial payment. Terms and Conditions apply.

Back in 1998, Atari tried tried to emulate that feeling with a computer game called ‘Driver’ (that spawned a couple of sequels), but it actually ended up as, if I was being kind, a pretty rubbish version of Grand Theft Auto if GTA had been half as good as actually was.

But now, under the guiding auspices of Ubisoft our hero, cop John Tanner, has had a load of development cash thrown at him to try and get a criminal called Charles Jericho to jail.

So far, so good. But Jericho escapes and rams Tanner’s car with the prison van, putting our hero in a coma in hospital. End of game?

No, just end of belief.

In hospital Tanner discovers he can leave his body and put himself into the bodies of different drivers around San Francisco, enabling him to do almost anything. Whereas we, as normal immoral human beings with the ethics of a polecat, would rob banks and raid pubs, Tanner decides to find Jericho and return him to custody.

Just like real life then?

Driver: San Francisco this time round has managed to get a licence deal on 125 cars, from a classic 1951 Hudson Hornet to the Pagani Zonda Clique, with (deep breath) Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Cadillac, Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet, Lamborghini, Maserati, VW, Ruf, Pontiac, Nissan and McLaren amongst a few others. And amongst that there’s a plethora of cars that you’ll never be able to drive in real life, but here, it’s paaaaarty time!

208 miles of road include the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge and parts of Mavin County and Oakland, and 9 different game modes in Multiplayer too!

Of course, there’s plenty of people trying to stop you catching your man but you can use other drivers in other cars to block them off as you zoom around the streets; and you’ve always got your trusty sidekick Tobias Jones alongside you.

Every completed story chapter opens up a new part of San Francisco to ‘play’ in and you buy garages, cars and upgrades (complete with supernatural boosts, obviously) all through Tanner. Movie tokens can also be gained that you can use to action special missions and those garages that you own can earn you money; – well, sort of. You actually earn WP (willpower) which you can use to get Tanner out of his coma.

So, whatever vehicle you decide on, from police car, camper and taxi to monster truck, rally car and tow truck, you’ll have to learn how to use them, drive them and utilise them for your own needs to complete missions, tasks, dares races and pursuits.

(There’s also a collector’s edition available that offers a toy replica of a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 440 Six Pak (which is actually Tanner’s car), a map of San Francisco with details of the 80 dares that you can access around the city, an in-game multiplayer mode with 3 exclusive cars (1963 Aston Martin DB5), 1972 Lamborghini Miura and 1966 Shelby Cobra 427) and 4 single player race challenges: – Mass Race where you try and escape the whole San Fran police force, Relay Race where you change cars mid race to win, Russian Hills Race and Taxi Race.)

Tonight, the Streets of San Francisco are yours – at least for a few decades.

“If you really want to know about cars, ask the experts.”

So says Which? Car editor Richard Headland. But who are these experts? Manufacturers? (Bit biased.) Dealers? (Bit too profit making.) Garage owners? Mechanics?

None of the above. According to Richard, the experts are “… the people who drive every day.”

With (allegedly) no brand loyalty – although that is a touch difficult to swallow – it’s the everyday driver who can tell you what is good, and bad, about the cars that they drive.  Personally cars are like salad cream – it has to be Heinz – but in these economically frugal days, to paraphrase Joseph with his dreamcoat “Any car will do.”

So what did Which? Car find out in a Summer 2011 survey for new and used cars?

Makers of the most reliable cars

Hyundai; according to the survey, has a great range of cars, is value for money, reliable and offer transferable, five-year warranties at a time when everybody is looking to cut back and make their money go further. In fact, a Hyundai has, on average, a 20% chance of a fault in 12 months from new. That’s not the best – but more about that later.

Car that makes its owners happy

In first place, a car that was actually phased out 6 years ago, but still holds a place in its owners’ hearts – the Toyota Yaris Verso.

Second, the VW Passat CC

Third, Land Rover Discovery – but, as you’ll see later, that was the only good news for the Land Rover in this survey.

Most Loved cars

In the Top 10 of this list, there’s 4 Skodas – the Yeti, (Never seen one of them, although the apparantly exist ), Superb Estate, old Superb and new Superb.

But down there at the bottom…

Most ‘un-loved’ cars

Strictly not a true title but I didn’t really want to put ‘Most loved cars – well, not really’ as a title so, at the bottom of the most loved cars, with a satisfaction percentage of 49.4% (No; I’ve no idea how they were calculated but I’m guessing at a “How much do you love this car?” question) is the Renault Laguna Sport Tourer.

It’s in good company, as 7 out of the bottom 10 are built by French manufacturers (did they ask Al Murray to put this survey together?) with poor handling, performance, build quality and poor non-engine electrics cited as reasons for this particular poor performance.

So, it seems that Which? Car readers and members seem to like practical good-value cars (like Skoda, so it seems), aren’t keen on the “unreliable and fault-prone” Gallic cars like Renault and Peugeot and really can’t be bothered with the ‘satisfaction factor’ of so-called luxury brands like Mercedes, BMW and VW – giving them an average score, the same as Alfa Romeo and Citreon.

Says a lot more about them than any other statistic.

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The survey looked at over 67,000 cars – new and used – to get the results, and other ‘winners’ included:

Best Buy (Medium Sector aka ‘most popular car bought’ sector) – Kia Cee’d estate
Best value cars based on dependability and running costs (Medium Sector) – Honda Jazz and Skoda Fabia diesel
Best Medium Cars (Used) – Mazda 3, VW Golf, VW Jetta, Ford Focus
Best MPV (Used) – Honda FRV, Skoda Roomster, Toyota Previa

But the biggest winner of all, an undisputed winner in the Large Section (Used) – and every other Large Section sector – was the Toyota Avensis. Often called “dull” in description by the questioned drivers, the petrol version scored way ahead of many of its rivals in the majority of cases.

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And, if you want further proof of reliability. What Car? in conjunction with Warranty Direct released a report suggesting that, for reliability, Japanese and Korean makes are the best.

Honda vehicles, for the 6th year in a row, are top of the pile (That’s the power of dreams, eh?) with a mere 9% chance of developing a fault from new in the first 12 months. Toyota, Suzuki, Lexus and Mitsubishi fill the next four places.

And down at the bottom? Close your ears Land Rover – it’s you – with a 55% chance of a fault. And you won’t have to travel too far to have a chat with your fellow relegation favourites because they are all European. Alfa Romeo, Renault and Saab are all in the mid forties when it comes to chance of a developing fault from new.

Sorry Europe! Time to get those metaphorical socks pulled up!

Here at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts we know you want you want to save money, so to help we’re offering FREE Metallic Paint worth up to £500 on selected stock models.

Whether you’re after a cheeky city car like the Peugeot 107 or a robust all-road crossover like the Vauxhall Antara, you can take advantage of FREE Metallic Paint when you lease selected cars with us. Check out our top 5 FREE Metallic Paint deals…

1. Peugeot 107 5 Door 1.0 Urban

First up is a fantastic offer on the Peugeot 107 5 Door 1.0 Urban, available to lease from just £99.95 + VAT p/m with FREE Metallic Paint in Raven Black, Zircon Grey or Electrica Blue. With its nippy 1.0L 68bhp engine and frugal 61.4 miles per gallon, the Peugeot 107 is the ideal car for buyers on a budget, offering exceptional value for money. What’s more, we’ve also got a select number of vehicles in stock for quick delivery!

2. Vauxhall Corsa 3 Door 1.2 Sxi A/C

At number 2 is the striking new Vauxhall Corsa 3 Door 1.2 Sxi A/C available to lease from £134.95 + VAT a month with FREE Metallic Paint in Technical Grey and Star Silver. This stylish supermini comes generously equipped with air conditioning, protection pack, technical pack, CD player with aux-in and alloy wheels.

3. Alfa Romeo Mito 2011 1.4 TB Multiair 135bhp Lusso

The super-hot Alfa Romeo Mito 2011 1.4 TB Multiair 135bhp Lusso is now available to lease from £199.95 + VAT p/m with FREE Metallic Paint in Etna Black or Techno Grey. Voted ‘Best Supermini’ at the 2010 What Car? Awards, the new Alfa Romeo Mito boasts classic Italian good-looks, a luxurious interior and Alfa’s award-winning MultiAir technology.

4. Vauxhall Antara 2.2CDTi 16v Exclusiv 2WD

At number 4 is the all-new Vauxhall Antara 2.2CDTi 16v Exclusiv 2WD available to lease from £224.95 + VAT a month with FREE Metallic Paint in Carbon Black and Sovereign Silver. Featuring an elegant new style, powerful 2.2CDTi engine and optional all-wheel drive, the new Vauxhall Antara is one of the most stylish off-roaders on the market. We’ve also got vehicles in stock for quick delivery.

5. Mazda MX-5 1.8i SE

Finally, the open-top Mazda MX-5 1.8i SE is now available to lease from £154.95 + VAT a month with FREE Metallic Paint in Sunlight Silver, Copper Red or Stormy Blue. Featuring a striking exterior style, powerful engine range and comfortable interior, it’s no wonder that the Mazda MX-5 is officially the world’s most popular open-top sports car.

To take advantage of one of these fantastic FREE Metallic Paint deals before it’s too late, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0844 482 9595.

Above prices are based on a 2 or 4 year, 10000 miles per annum contract. Prices exclude vat, processing payment and initial payment. Terms and conditions apply.

We’re now in our final stock of the Alfa Romeo Mito 2011 1.4 TB Multiair 135bhp Lusso & Veloce both available with FREE Metallic Paint.

Boasting classic Italian good-looks, a luxurious interior and Alfa’s award-winning MultiAir technology, it’s no surprise that the Alfa Romeo Mito was voted ‘Best Supermini’ at the 2010 What Car? Awards!

This super hot-hatch also boasts some impressive performance figures, accelerating from 0-60mph in just over 8 seconds whilst still maintaining an amazing 60 mpg!

It’s your final chance to get behind the wheel of a stock Alfa Romeo Mito 2011 with prices starting from just £181.95 + VAT a month for the Mito 2011 1.4 TB Multiair 135bhp Lusso or just £199.95 + VAT for the high-spec Mito 1.4 TB Multiair 135bhp Veloce. Both of these fantastic vehicles come with FREE Metallic Paint in Etna Black or Techno Grey, with selected models in stock for quick delivery.

To take advantage of this special offer before stock runs out, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts today on 0844 482 9595.

Above prices are based on a 4 year, 10000 miles per annum contract. Prices exclude vat, processing payment and initial payment. Terms and conditions apply.

There is nothing quite as astonishing as the sound a Formula One car. You can feel that engine rumble in your very bones; a rumble that stays with you well after the race is over. For many of us, that rev that it makes is as beautiful as the most wondrous symphony, and makes the sport one of the most exciting in the world. Beloved by millions, the competition has had a complex and exciting history that has gone through an enormous array of changes. This article will look at its most amazing moments and trace its developments over the past century.

Formula One’s origins are rooted in the ancient Grand Prix Motor Race, a race that seems to be as old as the car itself. Established around a set of strict rules and regulations, the concept of ‘formula’ is a variation on these, providing particular principles for competitors. The principles of Formula one began after the Second World War in 1946 through the new rules established for the Grand Prix. Due to complications with the war as well as organization issues, the first world championship was held in Silverstone in 1950, beginning the sport officially. 

While Giuseppe Farina won the first championship in his Alfa Romeo, defeating Juan Manuel Fangio, Fangio went on to win nearly every single race during the 1950’s, gaining the reputation of being the grand master of the sport. It was in these early beginnings that manufactures like Mercedes, Ferrari and Alfa Romeo rose to prominence due to their racing abilities.

Regulated by 2.5-liter engines, technical developments became the cornerstone of the sport. Design became key, with mid-engine vehicles growing in popularity. In 1962 Lotus introduced a monocoque chassis made from aluminum sheets that gave the mid-engine cars a significant boost. In the 1960’s the vehicle also saw the development of aerofolis to produce as much down force as possible, helping the vehicle gain as more speed.

It was in the 1970’s that Bernie Eccleston, viewed by many as the grandfather of the sport, began to manage the commercial rights, transforming the sport into a huge business venture. Ultimately becoming president, he unified the manner in which the sport was organized and tracks were handled.

It was also during this period that the Federation Internatiale du Sport Automobile, or FISA, rose to prominence, causing a tension with the recently established Formula One Constructors Association that was established by Ecclestone. Resolving the issues in the Concorde Agreement, the partnership created a greater deal of coherency with the sport and organized any changes that had to be made.

The 1980’s saw the rise of turbocharged engines introduced by Renault, producing speeds of 700 bhp. It was also during this period that Lotus developed active suspension in their vehicles and electronic driving aids became elements that became widely used. The systems became perfected and allowed certain drivers, like the legendary Ayrton Senna, to gain a much needed advantage. Other aids like semiautomatic gearboxed as well as traction control rose, but due to complications they ultimately became banned in 1994.

During the 1980’s and 1990’s there were no better teams than McLaren and William, winning championship after championship. The legendary rivalry between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, most recently documented in the film Senna, became stuff of legends as the Senna’s death on the racing track provided to be one of the most remembered moments of the sport. In the 1990’s and 2000s, Ferrari, McLaren, William, as well as Renault became known as the Big Four undefeated victors. Michael Schumacher won race after race, setting records that took others years to break.  

During the 2000’s we saw a great shift in Formula One players, with Honda, BMW, as well as Toyota taking breaks due to economic pressures. The McLaren and Mercedes deals signified merges that would allow the teams to exist. The entrance of RedBull also came as a surprise to many, as it rose to its present day godlike position.

What sets this sport apart form others is the incredibly intricate racing strategy. Firstly competing for a spot on the pole position on a qualifying lap, the race begins with a warm up lap that allows the cars to warm up the tires and allows for development of greater traction. Once on the grid, lights would indicate to go and the vehicles would immediately go as quickly as they could to finish the race faster than anyone else.

The sport is dictated by a special point system that was founded at its very beginning. The winner of the race receives 25 points, 2^nd place 18, and it goes all the way down to the 10^th individual who receives just one. The driver who has the most point at the end of the season becomes the World Champion.

 With circuits found all over the world, there are key features found on each one that remain static. Typically, they have straight roads on the starting grid which would also have a pit lane for drivers to repair their vehicles or fuel up. Layouts can differentiate from here quite drastically, with some being constructed clockwise while others anticlockwise and some even taking places on regular streets, like the famous one in Monaco. New circuits are constantly being built, the newest additions have been Abu Dhabi as well as Singapore, with old classics being used still today. Most of these circuits have accommodation for well over 5000 and can cost quite a pretty penny to attend.

The sport has had an amazingly complex history with a great many innovations that have shaped the technology in our vehicles today. With world class drivers and amazing speeds, the sport is constantly evolving and adapting to its surroundings. With so many different aspects, one hopes that this can be treated as a mere introduction to a sport that is incredibly complex. With a great deal more to find out, search and discover it for yourself, I’m certain that you’ll be even more amazed

Alfa Romeo, the official car supplier to UK Athletics (UKA), have been staging a series of events which pit the athletic prowess of humanity against the slick manoeuvrability of their MiTo models. They call it Man versus MiTo, and it’s quite exciting.

The latest challenge saw former European and Commonwealth Champion Iwan Thomas go head-to-head against the Alfa MiTo in a 3.8 mile race around the streets of London. The race starts where it ends – Tower Bridge.

The Alfa MiTo was driven by two of Britain’s greatest hopes in winning World Championship medals: European and Commonwealth 110m Hurdles Champion Andy Turner was driving, whilst UK Long Jump record holder Chris Tomlinson provided the navigation.

The Alfa MiTo range now includes the 1.3 JTDM-2 85 bhp version which boasts emissions so low that the vehicle’s exempt from the congestion charge. This is why the race took place in London, you see. To make a point.

To see the full series of Man versus MiTo films, click here.

I don’t know about you, but I’m always going to be rooting for man. The moment machinery gets the upper hand is the moment we must begin to worry about the very survival of our failing species.