A 68-hp Citroën C1 proves that less power and more skill can lead to thrilling Nürburgring laps, showcasing the joy of “slow car, fast.”
“Slow car, fast” is a philosophy that has brought immense joy to driving enthusiasts for years. It’s the joy of mastering a car that barely has enough power to keep up, one with little grip and a personality that demands aggressive driving. And this approach works wonders at the legendary Nürburgring.
In a recent onboard video, Dale Lomas from Bridge to Gantry proved this point while tackling a wet Nordschleife track day in a stripped-down Citroën C1. Despite its humble 68 horsepower, this French hatchback, prepared for a 24-hour race at Spa, is a masterclass in momentum conservation and oversteer. With a cage and minimal weight, the C1 dances through the corners, its rear end often slipping into oversteer mid-turn and on exit—perfect for a bit of playful hooliganism.
The key to success on the Nürburgring, or any twisty road, is simple: keep the momentum flowing. You don’t need to brake unnecessarily or scrub speed mid-corner. The goal is to carry speed through the turns and avoid losing momentum. In the video, Lomas skillfully holds his own against an E36 BMW 3-Series and a Hyundai i20 N, proving that a light, underpowered car can hang with much faster machines when driven properly.
Losing momentum—by lifting off the throttle or braking too early—can be painful, as it takes time to recover that lost speed. But when everything clicks, and you nail the perfect lap, it’s a feeling of satisfaction that few modern supercars can match.
While a new BMW M3 might be faster, the real question is: would you have more fun? Sometimes, slower cars with less power can deliver the most thrilling experiences.
