Photo of the day: Stig in a Mini John Cooper Works

Here's one to make you feel old: this week marks the 15th anniversary of new Mini production.

BMW reinvented the iconic British car at the turn of the century, and the first modern-day Minis spewed forth from its Oxford production line on 26 April 2001.

Another 2.5 million have followed them, and Mini is expected to hit the 3 million mark later this year. One individual car from that figure is the one you see above, a 2008-era John Cooper Works hot hatch.

You will note the gleaming white helmet behind the wheel. That's because his Stiggyness is trying out the little 208bhp belter during TG magazine's Speed Week shootout on the Isle of Man.

With all four wheels on the ground and no dab of oppo being applied, it's a rare show of restraint from our tame racing driver, suggesting he at least respects the rules of the road. Even if he doesn't actually know what they are...