TOM Daley has been snapped making the most of his new car's baguette holder.
The Olympic diver was the toast of London as he stepped out of the new Renault 5 electric car – the world's first with an optional baguette holder – with a fresh delivery of French bread.
Swapping knitting for kneading, Daley was joined by Master Chef: The Professionals finalist and Café Francois chef, Matt Ryle, who served up themed canapes to celebrate the launch of the vehicle.
Menu items at the event, at Oxford Street's immersive retail space, Future Stores, included the Monte Carlo sandwich, referencing the brand's famous Turbo model which won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1981.
Green and yellow macarons were also on offer, giving a nod to the vehicle's colourways, as were vichyssoise croquettes with a green aioli and yellow saffron dip.
Daley, who aptly won five Olympic medals before retiring last year, made use of the Renault 5’s niche baguette holder to deliver a crucial ingredient for the evening's food.
Tom Daley said: “At the pool I did all I could to avoid making a splash – but in this vehicle you can't help it.
“From its design on the outside to the tech inside, it was such a joy watching all the heads turning and the smiles beaming at the pop yellow paintwork as I rode through London.
“But the best bit has to be the baguette holder – what could be more French than that? I love the sense of fun.”;
Matt Ryle said: “As a chef who loves the very best of France I couldn't stop smiling at all the little French flourishes from the cockerel motifs to the French flags – and of course that baguette holder, it gives the car such a wonderful character.”;
Broadcasters Greg James and Jonny Smith were also in attendance and interviewed Tom and Matt.
The pair recently reviewed the vehicle, which has already won the What Car? Car of the Year award, after a drive around its French origins in Nice and both opted for the yellow colour choice.
Greg James said: “I’ve had an obsession with Renaults since I was a kid and as soon as I heard about the reboot, I knew I was going to get one.
“It’s a brilliant celebration of all things French and unlike so many new cars, they’ve remembered why people fall in love with them.
“Yes, they have to be a good and fit into your life, but crucially they also have to be fun.
“Ever since I saw it came with an optional baguette holder, I put my name down for one and it’s been worth the wait.”;
Jonny Smith said: “Greg and I met through a mutual broad appreciation for cars – from retro stuff to new EVs.
“We've driven the Renault 5 at length in France and spent more time than is healthy discussing perfect specs.
“For us, it seems to have captured the true spirit of the original car, and made an EV aesthetically charismatic and dynamic to drive.”;
Tom also confirmed on the night when being interviewed by Greg and Jonny, he too is ‘team yellow’.
When being driven to the event, he said passers-by were obsessed with the colour which brings a sense of fun among grey cars.
He spoke about how growing up he always wanted a bright coloured vehicle and choosing one as an adult brings happiness.
Tom’s relationship with driving started at a young age, giving him a sense of independence to get to school and diving competitions and nowadays drives a lot in different countries on the other side of the road.
The Maison 5 pop-up is running at Future Stores from 22nd-30th March, offering customers the chance to experience the car for themselves.
At select times during the week presenters Jack Scarlett (Fully Charged Show) and Nicola Hume (Red Bull Racing’s ‘Talking Bull’ podcast, Electrifying) will be on hand to answer questions.
