Five epic drives: Jessica Hawkins

Since her involvement in the Fast & Furious Live arena tour back in 2017, Jessica Hawkins has forged a reputation as one of the most exciting female stunt drivers in Britain. Next up, the track star can be seen burning rubber in the James Bond flick, No Time to Die. Ahead of her Bond debut, the Land Rover ambassador gives our Club correspondent Rebecca Banks the lowdown on the drives she’ll never forget.

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Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, USA

I did a project with Formula 1 in Chicago and simply adored this road. It splits the city and the lake, which makes it feel like two completely different places depending on which side you look at. On one side, you’ve got the Chicago skyline, while on the other you have these amazing views of Lake Michigan. It’s a really cool route and takes you right into the heart of the city. We filmed a video at Soldier Field stadium near Downtown Chicago and, while I wasn’t allowed to take the actual F1 car out of there, I would have loved to have given it a good go along Lake Shore Drive!
Car of choice: Formula 1 Car

Take off to Chicago

Amalfi Drive, Amalfi Coast, Italy

I filmed some scenes for the new James Bond film, No Time to Die, in Matera in Italy and while I was there drove the Amalfi Drive route, which is absolutely stunning. For someone who normally likes to drive fast, it was a bit of a challenge because the roads are so narrow and winding, but the sea views are breath-taking enough that you actually want to slow down to take it all in. If you’re ever in that neck of the woods, it’s an absolute must-see.
Car of choice: It has to be a Fiat 500, doesn’t it?

Take off to Italy

B3135, Somerset, England

This route is only short, about 14 miles, but it’s honestly one of the prettiest roads I’ve ever driven on. It’s surrounded by cliffs, gorges and forest and it’s really twisty, so it’s good fun to drive, as well. It takes you through Cheddar Gorge, so you can even stop in Cheddar and get some amazing cheese for your journey! If you want a gorgeous route that’s a bit of a challenge, too, you won’t find better in the UK.
Car of choice: Jaguar E-Type

Discover the UK

La Grande Corniche, near Monaco

Monaco is one of my all-time favourite places. I drove there from Nice and this road was the most memorable of the journey. It’s 500 metres above sea level so you get wicked views of the Mediterranean, but I liked looking at all of the gorgeous mansions along the route! It’s got some big drops and a few tight hairpins, too. I didn’t know this until after, but it also featured in a car chase in Goldeneye.
Car of choice: Aston Martin DB5

Take off to Monaco

Pikes Peak Highway, Colorado, USA

This really is an epic drive. What racing driver doesn’t want to compete in Pikes Peak, the most iconic race up ‘America’s Mountain’? I’ve heard so many stories of the winding roads, the views of the mountains and the lakes that I think I’d be such a tourist and drive slower than I ever have before! It’s something that I will 100 per cent do when I can – whenever that is – and get it ticked off the list.
Car of choice: Land Rover New Defender

Take off to Colorado