First Drive: Caterham SP/300.R

Downforce, slick tires, open cockpit and 507hp per tonne: Caterham’s SP/300.R takes track day weaponry off the scale. We don racing attire, ruin the power to weight ratio and experience track day performance that could win classes at La Sarthe. Serious and more than a little bit daunting, the Caterham SP/300.R looks like it’s ready to line up at a 24-hour race rather than take part in a track day. Sitting on its on-board jacks with a team of mechanics in the pit garage fettling it between the test drives only enhances this, the lift off panels and gearbox mounted suspension underneath are pure motorsport. A massive rear wing, zero ground clearance, composite materials, open cockpit, twin roll hoops, tiny mirrors and sweeping aero-shaped body only underline that this is a track day car like little else.

The removable twin-gripped steering wheel with its rev-counter LEDs running across the top edge also features LCD read-outs for oil and water temperatures and a few twist dials and a neutral button. To the left there’s a big brake bias knob, a couple of toggle switches and the battery isolator key. It’s basic, but full of purpose. Full of me too, as the rail situated sliding seat (which Caterham admits isn’t ideal, but necessary with so many people in and out of it today) is not hugely accommodating. It’s very laid back too, the legs straight out, arse forward, shoulders back and arms forward position more bathtub than anything I’ve ever driven before, but necessary to get you in – and out of the airflow.