Back in the nineties, Sony released the PlayStation game that changed console racing games forever: Gran Turismo. It was spectacular in its realism, with detailed graphics and seemingly true-to-life handling of the numerous cars it was possible to sample. But then, in 1999, they released the follow-up, GT 2, and we were introduced to real tracks to play on.

Very quickly one track became the favorite, the mighty Laguna Seca, and it did so by virtue of one corner - the Corkscrew. A sharp left after a rising blind crest, a drop down at an impossible angle and a swooping right, that was the Corkscrew; it tested games players to the limit, especially when driving one of the ridiculously powerful cars included in the game. I am still proud of the fact that I did eventually learn how to get the Toyota Le Mans car through the Corkscrew without careering off for a meeting with the barriers.

But what is it like in reality? How does the game compare when you are in a powerful car attempting a quick lap at Laguna Seca?

Thanks to Top Gear and YouTube, we can find out. Have a look at this clip - Jeremy Clarkson trying to get a Honda NSX within reach of a respectable lap time.