Tom Cruise impresses ex Formula One driver

The motoring fanatic, who starred in 1990 stock car racing film 'Days of Thunder', took control of the 850-horsepower vehicle on a 2.5 km race track in Rosamond, southern California, Contactmusic reported.

Cruise completed 24 laps during the seven-hour high octane session, his first in an F1 car, and his top speed was just four miles per hour short of Coulthard's best on the same day.

"Tom's the real deal. He thoroughly impressed me. I was surprised that he picked it up so quickly and is such an accomplished driver.

"His recall was incredible considering how complicated driving an F1 car is. He's a guy who really pushes the envelope in real life. This day was not green screened!," Coulthard said.