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I was following an S3 around a large roundabout at some distance when I thought I would catch it up. I accelerated heavily in 2nd to close the distance. I was rather concentrating a little too much on the car in front. As I was driving like a complete dick, there wasn't even a screech from the tyres, or the usual hint of understeer, the thing just broke traction and went into a spin. However, I was most impressed how it spun. It just seem to do a 540 degree spin almost on the same spot. Didn't hit a thing as it was a nice wide roundabout. Just started the car, did a 3 point turn and carried on. The girlfriend thought it was great fun. However, I shall not be attempting this again as I might not be so lucky next time. Perhaps 3rd gear is a better gear for going around large roundabouts as it will not load the tyres up quite as quick as 2nd.

My car is not fitted with ESP.

Wow, never been able to do that in the dry. Only ever managed it in the snow. The only reason that i have ever had for using 3rd gear on a roundabout is because i have run out of revs in 2nd, with the passengers firmly squashed against the windows.

Damn.. sounds like you were lucky there.

I've only came close to losing traction in my S once (MY 2000 model with ESP) and that was when I was doing about 40 into a right angled turn... The car just shuffled sideways a bit and then set me right. Scared the hell out of me though (and fair enough too!).

Blackshadow, did you lift-off mid bend?

Yes, I lifted off mid-bend, as the back of the car in front was approaching rapidly. The subsequent sudden transfer of weight to the front, after the previous rapid transfer to the back (even with the slightly stiffer H&Rs) probably caused the break in traction, even in the dry conditions. One lives and learns - hopefully! Always keep your suspension nice and balanced when going at full tilt around corners. Never go at full tit (i.e. on and off the throttle violently) around corners. Also make sure your tyres are nice and warm. I'd only been out about 10 mins.

I did something similar in my Scooby. I wasn't so lucky, but at least I replaced the car with an S4 instead.