Here is an accompanying article about his Top Gear track drive, which is interesting in that it appears he was able to lap the 12C in 1:19.4. So there you go - an Average Joe journalist can lap the 12C within 3 tenths of the Stig in a 458. Maybe they gave him a ringer! 
(actually, based on that lap time, he could probably show Jason Plato which pedal is the throttle...)
http://www.carsguide.com.au/site/news-and-reviews/car-news/driving_on_the_uk_top_gear_track
(actually, based on that lap time, he could probably show Jason Plato which pedal is the throttle...)http://www.carsguide.com.au/site/news-and-reviews/car-news/driving_on_the_uk_top_gear_track
