Ex-F1 Racer Stefano Modena Plugs All-New Nissan Micra [w/Video]

With more than 80 Formula One starts under his belt, Stefano Modena doesn’t exactly sound like your everyday supermini owner.

Still, if you’re curious why a man that has raced with F1 legends such as Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost and is comfortable driving at speeds upwards of 300 km/h (186 mph), likes the new Micra supermini, well, it’s the car’s agile handling and secure driving feel, it would seem.

Modena currently works as a product development driver for Bridgestone, a company that happens to supply Nissan with tires for the all-new Micra – tires that Modena and his tire-testing team worked on.

“Nissan has been very demanding of Bridgestone for this new Micra, which is a great thing because it means it had very clear goals for the dynamic performance of the car. We really worked very hard to fulfil its requirements, and I believe we have.”

The former Brabham, Tyrell and Jordan driver went on to say that the new Micra reminded him of a go-kart when he first drove it, thanks to its precise steering and stable dynamics.

“That was only a prototype, now it’s even better. It’s a very agile car that gives the driver great confidence,” added Modena.

His and his team’s efforts are already paying off as the all-new Nissan Micra has been shortlisted for European Car of the Year 2017.