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Lewis Hamilton will appear in Sunday’s episode of Top Gear and try to get the best lap time in the show’s Reasonably Priced car segment. He appeared once before but only managed a time of 144.7.

Nigel Mansell, Rubens Barricello and Sebastian Vettel all achieved a better time than the Mercedes Benz F1 driver – albeit only slightly. The previous attempt took place on a wet track, however, so the 28 year old, who won the Formula One Championship in 2008, will be hoping he can prove himself the better driver this time round. The BBC has confirmed that Hamilton’s attempt took place on a dry track, but has not given anything away as regards his performance. His last attempt took place in 2007.

All F1 drivers on the show take their laps in a Suzuki Liana.

In 2007 Hamilton took criticism from some quarters after he quit the UK to live in Switzerland – primarily for tax reasons, but also to escape media attention at home. However, he remains a popular figure with the UK public.

Top Gear will no doubt be hoping that Hamilton’s appearance will stoke the interest of viewers, following a number of lacklustre reviews for the show in recent weeks.

For any of our breakdown insurance customers who want to catch the show, the episode will air at 8pm on Sunday, BBC1.