The first episode of the Paramount+ debut of Top Gear Australia takes its new presenters to Italy, where they delve into the world of the supercar. Jonathan LaPaglia, best known as host of Survivor, Australia drove an 11-million-dollar Pagani. Beau Ryan chose a Ferrari – red, of course – and Blair Joscelyne’s choice was a stunning Maserati.
The presenters explore why Italy is the undisputed home of the supercar, on a road trip starting in ‘Motor Valley’ Modena, the region that produces the world’s best supercars, and ending with a hair-raising race up the volcanic slopes of Vesuvius. As fixer and location manager on this show, it was Fabio Di Segni’s job to map out the route, taking Jonathan, Beau and Blair through the stunning Tuscan countryside, stopping at a 15th century castle on the way, on to various locations in Rome, and then the volcano. Fabio provided a police escort in Rome to smooth the way for the three supercars through Rome traffic. He also organized production services and all the filming locations, film permits, crew transport, security, ambulance and first aid, catering and accommodation.
Throughout their journey, the hosts encounter various challenges, such as finding parking for their expensive cars and dealing with Rome traffic. Beau Ryan gets into trouble with the Rome police by parking illegally and driving without his license. Fortunately for him, fixer Fabio Di Segni used his diplomatic skills to smooth the waters and defuse the situation. The show celebrates not just loud cars but also Italian culture and food, and the three hosts round off their nerve-wracking day in Rome with an evening at the extremely elegant restaurant Casina Valadier.
Then it’s off to Naples and a road race up to the summit of the volcano Vesuvius. Fabio Di Segni had negotiated access, road closure, and the filming permit with the Vesuvius National Park, local Mayor and police. Hair-pin bends and the steep climb make the road a serious challenge – which, unfortunately, gets the better of Blair when he can’t quite make it around a sharp curve and slams his Maserati into the crash barrier.
The whole programme is a high-octane ride. Together with the presenters’ trade-mark jokes and banter along the way, and the stunning Italian locations this opening episode must number one of the best Top Gears so far!
Produced by BBC Studios Productions Australia, for Paramount+
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