Honda Curve – taking this 115mph corner in a Formula 3 car

Both the car and circuit are new to me, but after three laps I find myself settling in and beginning to explore the limits of grip. The circuit is a joy to drive, and a new sharp left-hander adds a more technical element to what was previously a fast-flowing track.

But I’m still miles from the limit through Honda Curve, despite having been given all the advice I need to take it properly. The problem is, it’s basically a stretched out 90deg right. I know it can be taken at over 100mph, but on every approach, my brain still can’t believe the car will make it round with just a gentle lift of the accelerator pedal.

Oddly, the gravel trap and tyre wall on the outside aren’t of concern - it’s the concrete pit wall to the right that has me worried. As the car dips in and out of that bump on the corner's exit, the car's rear end wants to fire me towards the inside, and at 120mph, that would probably hurt.

On track in a Formula 3 car at Silverstone

Lap six is the one I choose to have a proper go of it.

I charge around the flat-out right-hander that leads into Honda, click into sixth gear and flick my eyes right to the fast approaching corner’s apex. With blind faith, I peel back off the throttle and drop back into fifth gear, angling the unassisted steering wheel - which is now weightier than ever - towards the inside. I clench and my senses go into overdrive as my brain envisages the rear trying to overtake the front.

It doesn’t, and instead feels heavily loaded up as the car rattles over miniscule bumps. I fire towards the exit kerb and the car runs over the bump I’ve been dreading. In a millisecond the car switches into oversteer. I gasp for air and instinct takes over as I catch the slide without lifting off the accelerator. I don’t crash. I make it through.

What a rush.

Honda Curve might not have the glamour of Eau Rouge or history of Becketts, but from the perspective of the driver, it’s as exhilarating as the best.