homemasterclass

The Courses

'Masterclass', the brainchild of an 'artist', Bernard Aubrey. For many years Porsche Cars Great Britain Limited's driving guru, Bernard was entrusted by arguably the World's most successful sports car manufacturer, to demonstrate and display their product to the growing number of would-be UK customers.

For Bernard, driving is an art form, essentially a 21st Century art of course, but with all the dedication, practice and refinement of technique found in accepted classical art forms. For those admirers who wanted to drive their car as smoothly, rhythmically and completely, Bernard offers his services as a tutor under the 'Masterclass' brand. As a teacher, in his pupils he's looking for 'Finesse - absolute smoothness'; from himself, he wants to share the individual's needs, define and demonstrate the techniques and offer complete understanding of actions.

Roadcraft

No one needs telling, on the roads today, driving fast is hazardous and can be irresponsible. And driving fast cars on the roads today needs patience, alertness and anticipation. The fact remains though, that if your chosen journeys can be completed at the wheel of a responsive and fast car, it's still a downright buzz. It's rewarding and fun, doubly so if no one's been put out or inconvenienced by your safe fleet passage. "A man's arrival …" and all that.

To the uninitiated, new Porsches, Ferraris, Lamborghinis though, are a handful. As are Lotuses, TVR, BMWs and Mercs. But a couple of hours with Bernard and your outlook will change completely. He unlocks the door to fluid progress, staying out of tight spots, recognizing trouble. Your passengers won't believe it. "Where did you learn to drive like that?" they will want to know.

Bernard's introductory sessions makes you aware of how best to work the crowded road systems, what to look for, giving yourself some room. He'll introduce you to merits of modern braking systems, how and where power can be safely used to advantage, prove that you are the master of the vehicle and conditions, unhurried and relaxed. How you address a car, how to handle it via each of the controls. It's a living demonstration of the efficiencies of modern chassis dynamics, maybe even mundane procedures that should really be cleared and dispatched with scarcely a thought. Give yourself time, make yourself room.

A day out with Bernard, usually starts at a closed road circuit, (not a race circuit) where your basic techniques will be observed, and a suitable course of tuition and practice assembled. Bernard will demonstrate what he needs to see, most of us wonder why we've been making life so difficult for ourselves ... . Some work maybe at the closed circuit, then out on the open road. It's informative, fun, and practical. Everyone feels the benefit. It's an indulgence and almost reflects on the very way life is lead.

Circuit Days

Ever-better performing sporting cars and increasingly overcrowded roads has led to an enormous demand for circuit days where owners can freely exercise there pride and joys; circuit owners, enterprising clubs and organizers now provide in excess of 1000 days a year just to drive around, using full throttle, all the gears, getting some heat in to the brakes, real speed and enjoyment of a car to full.

Much more of Bernard's time was now being spent on the tracks throughout the UK, demonstrating the safe usage of a Supercar's full performance, principally to Dealer's client groups. He enlisted the help of a most auspicious colleague, non other than former F1 Grand Prix ace and Porsche's very first Le Mans winner, Richard Attwood. Richard too, is gifted with that rare light touch and ability to impart the fluencies required for efficient and rapid circuit progress. As Masterclass client-base expanded, the next reoccurring questions centered around competition driving. That lead to a further strengthening when John Morrison joined the Masterclass team. John too had been introducing drivers to circuit for many years with Dealership groups, and now works as General Manager at G-Force Motorsport and their race team after years of race driving himself.

So with the team in place, Masterclass can offer one-to-one tuition days, again tailoring requirements to suit the level and standard of the potential or experienced circuit driver. Time is taken to carefully assess techniques both of conducting the vehicle and of circuit appreciation, before providing two or three principal disciplines for development during the day, all entirely at the client's own pace and time. The majority of the work will be in the clients own car, but alternatives can be hired. Masterclass has agreements with the top circuit-day providers and can normally arrange discounted rates at most of the UK's top venues. This is unforgettable stuff. It's fun, exciting and brings confidence to everyone's vehicle handling skills. Neither is this restricted to UK circuits; Richard & John are completely acquainted with the likes of the Nurburgring, Monza, Spa and most of the rest, Road Atlanta, Daytona, Most, Albacete and the Targa Florio for example.

With the collaboration with the experienced team at G-Force, professional assistance can also be given with the right modifications and setup that turns a normal road-going car into something that gives good account of itself on a circuit.

Race Driver Coaching - from Club to International Levels

Drivers wishing to progress from the 'art' involved in circuit lappery and give way to the aggressions and crafts involved in winning motor races are well catered for with Masterclass. Whether it's your intention to participate in sprints and hillclimbs, or any sort of circuit racing from Lydden to Le Mans, it's likely that Masterclass experience can save many hours and thousands of pounds of discovery and learning. By accurately optimizing your resources and skills, Masterclass will sharpen your competitiveness at both ends of the competition driving spectrum. Moreover, again by dint of services provided by G-Force Motorsport, introductions can be made to the current high-tech engineering solutions that improve and speed up the competitive process. It becomes a simple management issue.

For drivers, one-to-one days are available with time spent on the circuit analyzing and focusing on strengths and weaknesses found by Richard or John. There's no set 'schooling structure' with Masterclass. Each client whether a novice or a professional, is assessed individually in respect of current proficiencies and stated objectives. A programme is then assembled in order to take the client to his level requirement in the shortest possible time. Many techniques can be taken away to be practiced privately. With the skills of a Grand Prix driver and professional Team Manager available, there are no areas of the sport that Masterclass cannot cover. Masterclass 'guarantees' it'll improve your lap times at least.

Masterclass Porsche GT3

Further mention must also be made of the availability of a Masterclass Porsche GT3 for individual racer coaching. Completely equipped with Motec data-logging and intercom system, the Porsche is the fastest way to learn the desired techniques to take you to the front of your selected grid.

Table of Fees

The following prices give a guide to costs associated with the above activities. As at 01.02.

For a full list of cost and charges, please refer to the official Masterclass website.

VAT applicable on all the above. Terms & conditions do exist, available on request. Go to our FAQ section for further impressions.

Corporate or group driver coaching sessions can be organised - contact the numbers below for a quotation.

For further information and bookings please phone John Morrison at Masterclass at G-Force 01296 434084,

or Masterclass direct on 0870 0132065.