After a selection of teasers, Chris Harris has just released his eagerly anticipated comparison test between the Ferrari LaFerrari, Porsche 918 Spyder and McLaren P1. Filmed at the Portimao circuit alongside Clarkson, May and Hammond for their new motoring show, Harris’s clip is the first track test between the holy trinity of hybrid hypercars using factory supplied vehicles.
The 52-minute video consists of timed head-to-head laps between the cars followed by individual on-track reviews of both and wrapped up with an epic track battle between the cars thanks to the help of Tiff Needell and Marino Franchitti. Harris partnered up with Pirelli for the shoot.
Unsurprisingly of most interest is just which of the 918, LaFerrari and P1 is the fastest at the stunning Portuguese circuit. To make things fair between the LaFerrari and P1, both were fitted with brand new Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres while the 918 Spyder was running on its standard Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. At the circuit, the P1 came out on top with a 1:53.57 followed by the 918 Spyder at 1:53.98 and the LaFerrari at 1:54.25. When the P1 was fitted with the optional track-only Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres, it recorded a blistering 1:51.78.
One of the key takeaways from the video is just how evenly matched the trio are despite being engineered in completely different ways and each adopting different approaches to delivering their performance.
