Ginetta took on a starring in the latest episode of the BBC’s leading motoring programme, Top Gear. 

Broadcast on BBC One on Sunday 5th December, the fourth episode of Series 31 saw presenter Freddie Flintoff hone his skills as a racing driver as part of Ginetta’s renowned driver development programme. 

Ginetta were chosen to feature on the global hit show due to the Yorkshire manufacturer’s distinguished reputation for developing talented racing drivers, and how its unrivalled motorsport ladder provides accessible motorsport for drivers of all ages and experience.

Flintoff undertook bespoke simulator training at Ginetta’s in-house facility SimTrack Driver Performance Centre, before enjoying two days of on-track testing at Blyton Park in Lincolnshire with expert tuition from Ginetta factory driver Mike Simpson.

The England international cricketer turned television presenter then got to grips with 270bhp Ginetta G56 GTA, which has proven to be a smash-hit in the new-for-2021 Ginetta GT Academy. 

Flintoff’s learning curve culminated in his first ever competitive race in the GT Cup at Snetterton as he piloted a Ginetta G55 GT4 alongside fellow presenter Chris Harris.

Mike Simon, Ginetta Factory Driver, said: “At Ginetta, we pride ourselves in being able to take people that have never been in a race car before and develop them into successful racing drivers, so it’s fantastic to be able to highlight what we do to a global audience on Top Gear. 

“It was a great experience working with Freddie [Flintoff]. He was completely new to motorsport, but came in with the levels of focus, dedication and determination to improve that you would expect from someone who was a professional sportsman and one of the best in his discipline. 

“We gave Freddie an intensive crash course in what it takes to be a racing driver, from improving his lap times, to developing his race craft and how to set up the car. The Ginetta G56 GTA was the perfect learning car for Freddie and he made huge improvements during our time at Blyton Park. 

“That set him up for the transition to the GT4 car at Snetterton and he made more great progress across the race event. We all thoroughly enjoyed working with Freddie, Chris and the team at Top Gear, and hope everyone enjoys watching the episode.”

In addition to featuring in the latest episode of the series, Ginetta has also been announced as a winner of a coveted Top Gear Car of the Year Award. After his racing experience, Flintoff chose the Ginetta G56 GTA as his Car of the Year.