Five unlikely epic drives

Suzi Perry worked as a model in Japan before becoming a sports reporter for Sky Sports. She currently fronts the BBC’s Formula One coverage, making her the first permanent female presenter of F1 racing on British television. Here are the top five drives that thrill her

Interview by Etan Smallman

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Chapman’s Peak Drive from Noordhoek to Hout Bay, South Africa

I love this route’s spectacular views of the Atlantic coastline near Cape Town. If you come from Noordhoek Bay through Hout Bay you get an almost 180-degree view of the sea. The road has more than 100 curves, which can seem quite hazardous, especially when there’s screed coming down the mountain. Yet the stunning views make up for it.

Car of choice: Classic Mercedes SL

Photo: Getty Images

To Cadaqués via Cap de Creus mountain road, northern Spain

This hairy little number, lying north of Barcelona, is the only way in and out of the town of Cadaqués, so you have to take a deep breath and go for it. The route is narrow, with tight switchbacks and sheer drops. It is a rollercoaster road but worth it for the destination – a fishing village where Salvador Dali once lived (his house is now a museum).

Car of choice: Audi A8

Photo: Getty Images

Moyenne Corniche from Nice to Menton, South of France

It’s 31km between Nice and Menton and this is the most picturesque of the three corniches carved into the mountainside. The drive gives an incredible perspective of the Côte d’Azur and the beautiful medieval villages on the way. The town of Villefranche has lots of pretty pastel-coloured buildings and is as gorgeous as films make it look.

Car of choice: LaFerrari (F150)

Photo: Getty Images

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Australia

The island, which sits south-east of Melbourne, is a holiday destination and has one of the world’s most scenic tracks. It runs anti-clockwise with a blind turn straight away. When you come round it there’s an impressive view of the ocean. The track has massive elevation changes – it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted.

Bike of choice: Classic Ducati 916

Photo: Getty Images

Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to San Diego, USA

The journey from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to San Diego is exhilarating – there is so much excitement when you start and finish. The beauty of this road is the terrain you encounter, from forests and wild, rocky outlets to beautiful little villages.

Car of choice: Cadillac Eldorado convertible

Photo: Getty Images

Suzi Perry

Five unlikely epic drives

Chapman’s Peak Drive from Noordhoek to Hout Bay, South Africa

To Cadaqués via Cap de Creus mountain road, northern Spain

Moyenne Corniche from Nice to Menton, South of France

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Australia

Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to San Diego, USA

Chapman’s Peak Drive from Noordhoek to Hout Bay, South Africa

To Cadaqués via Cap de Creus mountain road, northern Spain

Moyenne Corniche from Nice to Menton, South of France

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Australia

Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to San Diego, USA

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