I tried just playing about ( I can't remember how ) before starting the Championships which didn't really help as I went right into the Impreza. I only tried it a few times then started in a car I didn't like so deleted my file and started the Championship in the Mini hoping it would help, I finished 3rd which I suppose was decent since I didn't have to go through it all again. My advice ( I've just got the game ) is to try out a few cars in each era before purchasing a vehicle for the Championship.
