This is Derbyshire --DONINGTON Park is set to feature in a multi-million-pound Hollywood blockbuster about the rivalry between two legendary Formula One drivers.
Some racing scenes for the movie, entitled Rush, directed by Ron Howard, were shot at the circuit.
The film, which is due to be released on September 20, focuses on the dramatic fight for the 1976 Formula One World Championship between Britain's James Hunt, played by Chris Hemsworth, and Austria's Niki Lauda, played by Daniel Bruhl.
It is based on real events, telling the story of how Lauda survived a catastrophic crash at the German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring to face rival Hunt in their almost-fatal pursuit of the world crown at Fuji, in Japan.
Using original and replica F1 cars from the period, a number of circuits across Europe were used for filming the movie, including Donington Park.
The film crew spent three days shooting at the circuit in May last year, recreating the action with the help of professional racing drivers.
Among them was Rob Austin, who yesterday competed in the British Touring Car Championship at Donington.
Rob, 32, of Evesham, in Worcestershire, was called upon to drive 1970s Formula One cars around the circuit's sweeping curves.
He also did some filming at the Nurburgring, in Germany, where Lauda crashed.
Rob's services were called upon because he and dad Richard own the Surtees Formula One car that was involved in the accident.
He said: "When we were out in Germany, we had to recreate the Lauda crash.
"In the incident, his Ferrari slammed into the barriers, came to rest in the middle of the track and burst into flames. He was then hit by the Surtees driven by an American called Brett Lunger – that's the part I play."
"To recreate the crash, they mostly used computer-generated imagery – so, thankfully, we didn't have to damage our car."
As well as driving, Rob's acting skills were also called upon. He was offered an appearance, playing Lunger.
He said: "I pestered Ron Howard for a speaking role and eventually he gave in. It's only one line – but now I'm able to call myself both a racing driver and an actor!"
Rob, who has competed in his Surtees car in a number of vintage racing events, enjoyed filming at Donington.
He said: "It's one of my all-time favourite tracks. Craner Curves and the Old Hairpin are really great corners.
"To be involved in the filming was a real thrill and I can't wait for the movie to come out. Ron Howard wanted to create something that would look convincing to race fans – and I think he's achieved that."
It was something of a surprise that Rob made the grid for yesterday's touring car races following a spectacular crash in the opening rounds of the championship at Brands Hatch three weeks ago.
His WIX Racing Audi A4 was involved in a high-speed collision with the barriers before coming to a rest in the middle of the track. Luckily, Rob was unhurt.
Rob said: "When you look at the Formula One cars of the 1970s, there is absolutely nothing to them in terms of safety.
"I have incredible respect for those drivers. They were really brave.
"Things have moved on since then. Although my accident at Brands looked bad, I was never in danger.
"It was different for Lauda. For him to get back into the car after such a massive accident takes guts but as a racing driver, after a big accident, you don't tend to think about it. You just open the door again and step in." Reported by This is 11 hours ago.