Learnt a lot on my first day; un-learnt a lot more (i.e. long-ingrained weak habits). It was most interesting to see how much even small amounts of acceleration / deceleration affects how my car steers. Already felt a lot more confident in my F-Type V8, even after just 1 day. Ivan really extends your comfort zone and gives you confidence in what your car can do.

On my second day with Ivan at Millbrook Proving Ground, I got more used to high speed. On my first training day I bottled out from a foot to the floor at 120ish. This time I last glanced at my speedo at 150mph and still accelerating – not sure what speed I got to. This was supported by gaining a thorough understanding and appreciation of ABS, braking and manoeuvring at increasingly higher speeds: fun at 40mph and really eye-opening at 100mph. The afternoon was spent on the Hill Route, which again took me outside of and then greatly stretched my comfort zone. Another great day.

The final day of my Total Control Masterclass, on public roads, took me further outside my comfort zone, yet I learnt so much on this last day. For example, safely using all the road (as and when appropriate and beneficial) for far-reaching observations and easy, smooth cornering. Even skills that I thought I knew, such as how to overtake, have been significantly changed and greatly improved. Also driving through built-up areas – lots of areas that I needed improvement on. At the end of the day I was totally exhausted due to having learned so much.

Summing up: the first two days at Millbrook gave me confidence, both in the car and in myself. It got me used to speed and how safe and forgiving my car is when driven well. Also the importance of far-reaching, detailed observation and the driving line both entering and exiting corners. It set the foundation of skill for safe control on road. The last day (on public roads) was the most demanding yet most worthwhile part of the course. I thoroughly enjoyed it. A bit like being at a theme park but where the risks are real. However, it was up to me how much I wanted to be pushed outside my comfort zone. Now looking forward to practicing and enjoying my car to the full.

D. Arnold

The first two days at Millbrook gave me confidence, both in the car and in myself. It got me used to speed and how safe and forgiving my car is when driven well. Also the importance of far-reaching, detailed observation and the driving line both entering and exiting corners. It set the foundation of skill for safe control on road. The last day (on public roads) was the most demanding yet most worthwhile part of the course. I thoroughly enjoyed it. A bit like being at a theme park but where the risks are real. However, it was up to me how much I wanted to be pushed outside my comfort zone. Now looking forward to practicing and enjoying my car to the full.