An 0830 meeting saw former British Formula One Gran Prix winner Johnny Herbert brief all the competitors on the gruelling driving, physical and mental challenges they would be put through over the next five days and what was expected of them. Not too much detail was given, as each activity was a surprise to the competitors.

The 18 drivers then moved to the famous Silverstone circuit for medical and fitness tests and media interviews in the GT Academy Silverstone base at the Experience Centre. A Gran Turismo PS3™ pod featuring GT5 demo code proved popular with all the competitors, despite the fact that they were about to sample the real thing!

A fleet of stunning new, white Nissan 370Zs was on hand at the Stowe Circuit. An eight-lap assessment on track was followed by a "superpole" competition.

Next up the party of hopeful drivers and international media made the short drive to nearby Milton Keynes and the Daytona Kart Track. After a full briefing on endurance racing strategy, the drivers were teamed up in pairs for a two-hour endurance race in some powerful 125cc karts. Some members of the media also took to the track - often acting as mobile chicanes for the super-quick gamers!

At the end of the two hours, the Franco- Portuguese duo of Jordan Tresson and Felipe Barreto pipped Spaniards Roberto Ortero and Marco Calvo for the win.

A late night press conference with members of the international media underlined that there is more than one side to the life of a racing driver. The media took part in judging the drivers on their presentation skills.