Gordon Ramsay is the star in the NEW reasonably priced car: Chef joins The Stig in a Mini Cooper as Top Gear trades the Astra for a rallycross model to get fans' revved up 

Fiery chef Gordon Ramsay joined The Stig in a Mini Cooper as he took to the Top Gear track in the show's new reasonably priced car.

The motor famous for being driven by Michael Caine in the Italian Job will now be put through its paces by a new set of celebrities as Top Gear says goodbye to the Vauxhall Astra.

Ramsay swapped his chef whites for a crash helmet as he put his driving prowess to the test around the track in Surrey, although it is not known if his lap was as quick as his temper. 

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Driving skills: Gordon Ramsay joined the Top Gear crew for a day of filming on Thursday as he took part in the new Star In A Reasonably Priced Rallycross Car part of the show

His appearance was for the Star In A Rallycross Car part of the show, replacing the popular Star In A Reasonably Priced Car, which fans can enjoy when it airs later this month.

In previous series celebrities had been put through their paces in the Kia Cee'd, Chevrolet Lacetti and the Suzuki Liana, but Top Gear are hoping the customised Mini will add further drama to the show.

Ramsay's lap appeared to be completed without a hitch and the Kitchen Nightmares star was seen shaking hands with famously mysterious stunt driver The Stig and happily chatting to the show's crew.

However, there were murmurs of unrest from the Top Gear camp recently after it was reported that Brad Pitt cancelled an appearance on the show at the last minute. 

Pitt was supposed to get behind the wheel of the same Mini Cooper but could fulfill his commitment due to his busy filming schedule.

The 57-year-old A-lister is currently living in the UK with wife Angelina Jolie-Pitt and their six children as he films the World War Z sequel.

After Pitt withdrew, producers replaced him with actor Jesse Eisenberg, who is best known for playing Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network.

Racing debut: The 49-year-old (pictured) will feature alongside Social Network star Jesse Eisenberg when his lap his shown on the episode due to air next month

Thrills: The track has been modified to create more of a challenge for the celebrities, with special rallycross obstacles for them to face 

New model: The customised Mini Cooper is one of the many changes the show's producers have made for the new series and pictured, The Stig gives Ramsay some pointers before he sets off on his lap

Eisenberg, who is also known for starring roles in Zombieland and Adventureland, will appear on the same show alongside Ramsay.

It has not been a smooth ride for the Top Gear team since bossess decided to part ways with popular presenters Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond.

Its new presenters have been dogged with rumours of disputes and have been slammed on social media by fans for their 'disrespectful' stunts.

Earlier this month presenter Chris Evans came under fire from ex-colleagues, including the husband of one of the show's executives who quit after five months, over claims that he was a bully.

Ready to race: Ramsay discusses his lap with mysterious racing driver The Stig as he walks across the Top Gear track during filming

 Finish: It is not known what time the chef recorded as the checkered flag was waved, but if it's as quick as his temper he could be in luck

Smooth ride: Ramsay was seen chatting to Top Gear staff as well as The Stig and it is believed the lap went without incident

Dan McGrath, who has worked with Evans on his BBC radio show, slammed the broadcaster for being 's*****' to people to 'get the results he wants'.

McGrath's wife Lisa Clark left her role as a Top Gear producer last December amid claims Evans' 'control freak' behaviour forced her to quit.

It was also claimed that Evans shouted so violently that he reduced an employee to tears and continued to scream until an engineer intervened. 

Peaceful: Reports of Ramsay's positive experience on the show make a change from recent incidents as Top Gear's reboot is plagued by tales of controversy 

Controversy: Top Gear presenters Chris Evans and Matt Le Blanc have both been put under the spotlight for their behaviour, with accusations of alleged bullying directed at Evans. However (pictured) things couldn't look happier as Ramsay shakes hands with the Top Gear crew

Audience: The Kitchen Nightmares star is used to being under pressure and his appearance on Top Gear was no different as cast and crew gathered around the track to watch the chef put his pedal power to the test 

Star: Gordon (pictured) was due to appear along Brad Pitt in the rallycross segment but the Hollywood A-lister pulled out from filming

Star car: The stylish Mini Cooper is definitely more pleasing to the eye than the older models hurled around the track by celebrities in previous seasons

Fellow presenter Matt Le Blanc sparked further public outrage when he was seen doing doughnuts around the Cenotaph, which many dubbed as an intentional bid to court controversy.

The stunt is said to have caused friction between Friends star Le Blanc and Evans - the two stars of the show - who later apologised 'unreservedly' to fans.

It followed a number of breakdowns and an embarrassing gaffe in which it was revealed that a Morris Minor Chris Evans was seen driving had not been properly taxed.  

Scarlet fever: The racy red car was soon covered in mud following Gordon's drive as he negotiated the new and improved course

On the right track: The circuit now contains a splash puddle designed to cover celebrities' cars in mud but it does not appear to have caused Gordon much trouble as he whizzes around the course