Fiat Inspired by Top Gear for Man vs MiTo London Race

Let’s admit it, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen or heard of a man vs machine competition, as Top Gear has raced citycars against bicyclists and runners, performance saloons against rock climbers and the Alfa Romeo 159 against a tall bloke in a wetsuit. Alfa Romeo’s UK division must have thought there’s a marketing opportunity in there somewhere, as it has organized a race between the MiTo and an athlete in the city of London.

In the first episode to be featured on Alfa’s Youtube channel, we get the chance to get familiar with the protagonists of the race. The former European and Commonwealth 400m Champion, Iwan Thomas, is the man that will do the footwork across London, racing against an Alfa Romeo MiTo starting from the famous Tower Bridge.

Behind the car will be two of Britain’s brightest World Championship medal contender: European and Commonwealth 110m hurdles Champion Andy Turner took the driver’s seat, with ‘pinpoint’ navigational assistance from World and European Long Jump medallist Chris Tomlinson. We expect the two will have to race the MiTo in future episodes.

“I’m a 400 metre runner not a four miler, but I think I can do it. I need to pace myself and try not to get lost. Hopefully there won’t be too many coach loads of tourists blocking my path. My competitive instincts are still with me, I’ve got to win,” Thomas says.

A number of films will be available on www.facebook.com/alfaromeouk, while the finish will be be revealed on a giant screen live to the crowds gathered for the London Athletics Grand Prix.