Competitor portrait: Matra Bonnet Djet

This rarity is a real joker in the 2006 championship: Erik Jensby bought this Matra from Sweden, and we have yet to see what lap times it can run. Its specifications are a frightening read, though: The engine is the famous Gordini, which in this 1100-form is said to deliver 127 bhp. In a car as this Matra, weighing just over 600 kilos, that means terrific power-to-weight ratio. But that is not all: The Matra has an advanced chassis, where - as the first road car in the world - the engine was placed centrally behind the driver, pure race-car practice. And there is even more to come: Brakes are discs all round, and the suspension is all independent. Top all this technology off with a body that is as beautiful as it is aerodynamic, and what do you have? A fantastic race car is my guess! I mean, just look at it - even standing still it looks terrifyingly fast. It would seem almost impossible to beat this French wonder with a traditional English sports car such as a Spitfire. However, the car is in its first season, and reliability could be an issue.