There wasn’t much between our tyres in terms of lap times, but the experience from the driver’s seat can be quite different. Some require much more steering lock to achieve the same result as rivals, or lack the sharpness of better-suited rubber.

There were no question marks over the performance of eventual winner Bridgestone, with the ER300 ideally matched to the Passat. The tyre provided great turn-in to corners and took our chicane easily, with no need to lift off, which inspired confidence.

Second home was Continental’s PremiumContact 2, which also felt quite secure, thanks to sharp steering from the moment the nose is pointed in to the turn.

Third-placed BFGoodrich posted a similar time, but made a lot more fuss about it.