While doing the news, James and Richard mentioned how fast the trains of nowadays in France have become and how it could even be quicker than a plane to the South of France, let alone a car. Jeremy rightfully replied with swattle, rubbish, and that no train can be faster than cars, and the challenge was born on that moment. Jeremy would drive the (then) new Aston Martin DB9, while Hammond and May went on a series of busses, a metro and trains. Only rules, Jezza can't use any form of trains, his opponents no form of car, so no taxi allowed.