The annual contest for Britain’s Best Driver’s Car (BBDC) has a long and storied history – and in 2025, it found a new home at M-Sport’s 2.5km MS-EC track in Cumbria. For over three decades, this event has pitted the year’s most exciting enthusiast cars against each other in a grueling test of road and track performance. This year, ten contenders faced off, with one notable absence due to pre-shootout damage: the Morgan Supersport.
The process is simple: five judges spend a day on winding Lake District roads followed by another on the track, then vote. This year’s event was complicated by unseasonably wet conditions, but as the judges soon discovered, the quality of the cars ensured that even poor weather couldn’t dampen the spirit of competition.
Road Testing in the Mist
The first leg of the contest took place on the Hartside Pass, a route at over 580 meters above sea level. Despite the thick mist obscuring distant views, the assembled cars quickly banished any gloomy vibes. The judges knew from experience that BBDC contenders rarely disappoint.
This year’s field included an eclectic mix: from the compact Alpine A290 to the monstrous Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. The Alpine, a reborn hot hatchback, impressed with its agility and punchy electric motor, though some criticized its lifeless steering. The Audi RS3, a perennial favorite, brought its signature five-cylinder growl and improved handling, while the BMW M2, with its aggressive suspension and rear-wheel drive, proved divisive.
The Mercedes-AMG GT 43 offered a more subdued approach, blending performance with everyday usability, but lacked the raw excitement of some rivals. Meanwhile, the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, with its staggering 1094 bhp, defied categorization, blending hypercar performance with a four-door saloon body.
The Porsche 911 GT3: A Timeless Benchmark
The Porsche 911 GT3, in Touring guise, emerged as an early standout. Its manual gearbox, crisp chassis, and naturally aspirated flat-six engine delivered an unfiltered driving experience that few could match. The 911’s ability to communicate directly with the driver through precise steering and balanced handling made it a clear favorite among the judges.
As one judge put it, “The granular communication of the chassis through your backside; the endless linearity of that screaming motor… it’s a work of art.” Despite minor drawbacks like a stiff ride and NVH, the 911 set a high bar for the rest of the contenders.
Grand Touring Rivals: Aston Martin vs. Ferrari
The Aston Martin Vanquish and Ferrari 12Cilindri represented the extreme end of the spectrum, both featuring monstrous V12 engines and luxurious interiors. The Aston, with its brute force and imposing presence, felt overmatched on narrow British roads, while the Ferrari, with its naturally aspirated brilliance, proved more agile and engaging.
The Ferrari’s nimble handling and intoxicating soundtrack made it a clear winner in this head-to-head, but both cars struggled to fully exploit their potential on the tight, damp roads.
The Verdict: A Champion Emerges
The final result of the 2025 BBDC shootout was a testament to the cars’ quality and the judges’ rigorous testing. Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the contest produced a clear winner that captured the spirit of enthusiast driving. The exact winner will be announced shortly, but one thing is certain: the competition was fierce, and the stakes were high.
The BBDC remains a vital benchmark for performance cars, pushing manufacturers to deliver ever more engaging and rewarding driving experiences. The contest’s legacy continues to shape the landscape of British automotive enthusiasm.
