Recently Jaguar hosted an exclusive test drive event at the Snetterton Motor Racing Circuit in Norfolk for three high-profile professional drivers. Martin Brundle, Christian Danner and Justin Bell entered Snetterton in a dramatic fashion on a helicopter, and after a brief chat with F-Type production manager Mike Cross, went on to sample prototypes of both F-Type V6 S and V8 S models.

Obviously they wax lyrical about the car’s performance, and conclude their test saying that it is pretty much perfect. But despite what the evidence might suggest, it is their genuine verdict; not something they have to say to please Jaguar. For one thing, two of these guys are ex-F1 drivers who are rich enough and respected enough not to put jeopardize their reputation, and Justin is a well-known car critic. And in any case, the F-Type really is that good.