Last Thursday October 17th we held our first Aston Martin Barcelona Sport Driving Course at the Calafat Circuit, a unique experience designed to offer our customers the opportunity to learn and perfect their skills at the wheel of some of the most iconic sports cars in the world.
skills behind the wheel of some of the most iconic sports cars in the world. During this day, a select group of customers were able to enjoy not only the impressive performance of their vehicles, but also the technical challenge of this circuit, known for its demanding curves and sections that test both the driver’s expertise and the car’s capabilities.
The day started with a light rain that, instead of being an inconvenience, became a key factor in enriching the experience. Although the bad weather might have discouraged some, our customers were enthusiastic and eager to learn driving techniques in wet asphalt conditions. This allowed them to face a different challenge than usual, experiencing how a performance car such as the Aston Martin Vantage S, Vantage, DB11, DB12 or DBS reacts when tire grip is compromised by rain. These cars, with engines in excess of 500 hp and rear-wheel drive, require a precise understanding of how to manage acceleration, braking and cornering in these adverse conditions.
Before taking to the track, participants attended a theory class given by our experienced instructors. This previous session was fundamental to lay the groundwork for the behavior of the cars in different scenarios, especially on wet pavement. Key concepts such as weight transfer, the importance of progressive braking, and anticipation on corner entry and exit were explained. With this information in mind, customers were ready to test their skills and knowledge in a safe and controlled environment.
The moment of truth came when the vehicles entered the track for the first reconnaissance. Under the supervision of the instructors, the drivers were able to familiarize themselves with the circuit layout as the rain continued to fall, adding an extra component of excitement to the experience. The team of Francesc Gutiérrez’s team, made up of elite drivers and instructors, accompanied the participants at all times, ensuring that each one received personalized guidance.
Thanks to their experience and professionalism, clients not only improved their driving techniques, but also gained confidence when faced with situations that can be intimidating for the average driver.
As the morning progressed, the weather conditions began to improve, but the humidity on the asphalt still posed a challenge. This allowed the drivers to practice managing oversteer, which is common in rear-wheel-drive cars like the Aston Martins, especially in tight corners or under hard acceleration. The feeling of controlling a car with so much power in these conditions is something that undoubtedly left a deep impression on our customers, who had the opportunity to learn how to get the most out of their vehicles even in complex scenarios.
After several laps of the circuit, the sun finally made its appearance during the first hour of the afternoon, progressively drying the track. This transition of conditions allowed drivers to experience how the car’s behavior changes in the dry compared to wet asphalt, providing a valuable contrast in terms of driving dynamics. In this way, participants were able to better understand the importance of adapting their driving style according to the terrain and weather conditions, which will undoubtedly increase their safety not only on the track, but also on the open road.
The course not only focused on improving skills on the track, but also on developing confidence and control over the vehicle in day-to-day situations. Each customer had the opportunity to drive their own car, accompanied by an instructor who helped them to perfect key aspects such as cornering, anticipating movements and, above all, braking techniques, one of the most critical elements for road safety. This knowledge is not only useful for driving on a closed circuit, but also in everyday life, where unforeseen events may require a quick and precise response at the wheel.
