What was your first car?

My first car was a VW Passat which cost me £300. On the first day I crashed into a car at red lights due to non-existent brakes!

How many times did it take to pass your test?

I passed in Russia in a Lada the first time. In the UK I passed my test in 2008 in a Vauxhall Corsa.

The Northern Echo: The Lada race team were concerned about the aerodynamics of their new F1 car...

Who would be your fantasy passenger and where would you go?

I would ask Russian President Vladimir Putin to be my passenger and take him off to play ice hockey as I hear he is a good player.

What is your dream car?

My dream car would be a Volkswagen Golf VW GTD five-door. 

How would you describe your driving style?

Safe and reliable.

Tell me one driving anecdote from your past?

I refer you back to my first answer.

What are you listening to?

BBC Radio 5 Live.

What are you driving now?

A two-litre VW Golf MK4.

The Northern Echo: