Yuki Tsunoda tackles wild drifting masterclass with five-time Formula Drift champion James Deane

Yuki Tsunoda has teamed up with five-time Formula Drift champion James ‘The Machine’ Deane to take on a drifting masterclass in a Ford Mustang Dark Horse and the Irishman’s 1100+ bhp Ford Mustang RTR.

“In recent days in Formula 1 it’s actually doing opposite things. So, yeah, definitely, I’m looking forward to it,” the Japanese driver explained when asked if he had done anything like this before.

After immediately getting stuck into some doughnuts, it was time for the driver’s first challenge. “I didn’t even tell you what to do and you just started playing,” Deane said with a big smile.

The Red Bull F1 driver was tasked with completing a 180-degree turn. Following two failed attempts, which resulted in full spins, Tsunoda nailed it on the third try.

The second challenge came in the form of a figure of eight. “So, here now, very similar approach,” Deane instructed. “You want to go 180 around one cone and boxes, then through the centre, 180 around the other. And then you’re just trying to get as many attempts between the two obstacles while keeping it in drift.”

Tsunoda took a bit more time to get to grips with the figure of eight, but eventually got it down. “The adrenaline is like… Wow!” he exclaimed.

“I need to calm down a little bit,” he said as he pulled to a stop. “I forgot to breathe, actually. I’m actually holding my breath all the time.”

The third challenge was the Wall of Cones. “So, this is challenging and you’re going to be on the handbrake, initiate, and then you’re trying to follow the wall of cones all the way around. And then you have your oil line on the cones and you’re kind of trying to take a guess of where the back of the car is,” Deane said.

On his first try, he took out almost all of the cones as he drifted around the corner. “Some Japanese DNA,” he smiled. On the next attempt, several more cones were thrown across the asphalt and the two couldn’t hold back their laughter. By the third try, he had the trick nailed and went on to repeat the move multiple times.

Following the challenges, Tsunoda hopped into the passenger seat of Deane’s Ford Mustang RTR as the five-time Formula Drift champion took to the wheel to show him how it’s done. “You’re crazy! F***ing crazy!” the F1 driver shouted.

“I didn’t know what was going on. I just lose the direction which I’m facing at. Like am I facing to the wall now or… Holy s***. I sweat more than yesterday’s race,” he said before admitting he was a little nervous.