One drive that did etch itself onto the old grey stuff was chasing Aston Martin's Chris Porritt in the prototype Vantage V8 (077). Dickie M riding shotgun in the Aston (reputedly developing 400ish bhp) reckoned that Porritt was going for it over a route he has probably driven thousands of times before. The S acquitted itself well - once again Porsche bhp, in this case 350, appear a tad stronger than those of other manufacturers and the Porsche seemed to have an edge over the Aston on pure grunt in this admittedly informal comparison. There didn't seem to be much in it elsewhere, but the Aston did seem more at ease over mid-corner undulations and on one particularly vicious dip: although not quite disappearing through the hedge as Porritt apparently predicted (thanks matey), for one very brief but surprisingly unpleasant and in many ways long moment, the S showed more than a passing interest in taking the scenic option.

Which highlights the one query that I have over the Porsche's handling. Although, particularly with PASM, the 997's suspension and reactions are vastly different to earlier 911s, there's still a hint of the nodding nose and front-end patter of old. Although we've all grown up with stories of people being flung off the road by that big engine hanging out the back, in this incarnation, as with earlier ones, it will probably be the front-end that bites you. At the extreme edges of the 997's handling envelope, the front-end doesn't seem to handle undulations - in a straight line or otherwise - particularly well, the suspension briefly turning to rock. Which isn't nice. On the plus side, I reckon this car is easier to drift neatly and predictably than a current M3. Blimey, I'm sure it said 911 on the box when I bought it.

On a more mundane note, I recently had reason to visit Porsche Centre Reading. The driver's door had developed a loud cracking noise over the last few inches of its travel, while that most elegant of barometers, Mrs B's bottie, had detected that, while working on simmer, the passenger seating was not working on gas mark 8. The door was adjusted and a new element ordered for the seat. Service was good and being asked what particular colour I'd like the Cayenne courtesy car impressed.

I'll be going back soon. I'm afraid I've kerbed both rear wheels in the space of a week and I want them refurbished. I'm annoyed because the last time I did that was eons ago - there really is no excuse. Although the 911 is positively slim-line compared with some, its fat rear tyres do contribute to a wide back-end, and their 30 profile doesn't offer much protection to the alloys.

As I mentioned last month, the Porsche's glorious flat six is loosening nicely. It's a deceptive lump, sounding quite gruff and rasping yet actually it's creamy smooth. In fact I'm still finding myself hitting the rev-limiter in second and third, the engine feeling as if it's got 1000s of revs left and catching me out. At the top end I love its classic Porsche, hollow, harmonics-laden howl. It's for all the world as if another 997 is sitting just off your shoulder running 500 revs adrift. The ghosts of Le Mans past are in there somewhere too.

I'll soon be putting more miles on, travelling to circuits as the race season starts and the cobwebs come off the Radical. Can't wait.