I WAS doing 160mph along the straight in a Formula One McLaren when it all went wrong...

I misjudged the corner and the car somersaulted twice before crashing into the tyre wall.

There was a moment of deathly calm.

Then the car turned itself over and I started again... because this was motor racing simulator-style.

There is no blood, no damage and no repair bills, but loads of fun to be had in the latest attraction at the Knockhill circuit near Edinburgh.

It is an actual Red Bull F1 car with former racer Heinz-Harald Frentzen’s steering wheel and Bridgestone tyres.

It is connected to a high-tech computer that replicates EVERY circuit in the world.

The development of the technology and the car is so precise and accurate, this is like playing a million-pound PlayStation.

It can also train up future Lewis Hamiltons. In fact Hamilton used a simulator to unravel the mysteries of a number of circuits as a rookie last year.

There was only one way to find out how good it was — challenge BTCC ace Gordon Shedden.

I clambered in first. The car and steering wheel shake as you pile on the speed, but don’t take it seriously and you are off — well, I was anyway.

I’d made it round the first four corners at Knockhill, then slid over the grass into the tyre wall.

Suddenly I was concentrating. I managed a few clean laps and brought my time down — but I was conscious of Shedden standing beside me mopping up information.

Then it was his turn. The 29-year-old Team Halfords No1 crashed on the first corner.

He crashed on the third corner. He crashed at the hairpin. I was home free.

Then he rattled off three laps that were three seconds faster than my best.

He said: “It is mega. It is not just a computer game. It is great for training because you can change suspension, tyres and all sorts, so it terms of learning how to engineer a car, it’s really impressive.”

Graham Brunton reckons the simulator will be a winner on the corporate hospitality circuit, at exhibitions and even works parties.

Brunton said: “You can’t get any closer to feeling what it is actually like sitting in one of these machines.

"It is not just the appearance, you feel the drive. It is good enough to train drivers.

“We will take it to trade show, corporate parties or even WEDDINGS.”

Find out more about the simulator by calling Knockhill on 01383 723337 or by emailing info@formulahotlaps.com