Couldn't agree more with Dangermouse.

I thought that, as has been said, there were massive missed opportunities in following the event as it progressed without the chef, but then the blurb accompanying the program did say it was about James Martin's adventure - not specifically the race/rally - so we can't argue that it was 'mis-sold'
As for a waste of airtime - there are plenty of other channels available to you if that particular program isn't your cup of tea - do you feel compelled to write about all the drivel that is on the majority of those channels?

He had a desire to take part in a motorsport event, and followed that desire to the start of the rally. He also took us with him via the TV cameras - and I thank him for that - I had very little knowledge of the event before the program - and will now do research, beyond sitting in front of the goggle box hoping it will show me the complete Encyclopedia M/M in a mainstream program, to find out more. 

You could see the excitment in the eyes of the lad as he thought about buying his car, and subsequently whenever the event and driving was mentioned.
So he has/had the ability to spend well beyond my means, but I have felt the same excitment when I have been in the presence of great vehicles, let alone thinking about purchasing and racing one. 

I make, and plan to continue taking, the journey down to Le Mans every year (so far for the relatively short period of 4 years when compared to some on here) for the very same reasons that he took part and spent his  money.  I love motorsport, love the sounds, sights and smells of motorsports and for one I was pleased that at least and at last there was SOME coverage of such a truly amazing race/rally for us to watch. 

I hope that the fella makes the cash 'working his a*** off' to fix the car, and makes the journey and the finish line in the future- as it appeared he wished to complete the rally for personal and very emotional reasons, rather than the financial gains that some commentator/narrator mentioned he was making the journey for.

(again - Rant off)