Where did you start your career?

As an editorial assistant on Car Mechanics magazine. I then helped launch the laddy car magazine Max Power, where I was also staff writer, after which I became a road tester for Car Week and then Auto Express. While I was there I got offered a job on the BBC2 programme Top Gear. I still do a lot of writing - for The Telegraph, The Express and Top Gear magazine. I see myself as a freelance motoring journalist.

How did you get into cars?

My father was in the British Karting Team and my grandfather was a racing driver. I tried out an old kart of my father's when I was a child and loved it so much that at the age of 12 I began racing at special circuits like Brands Hatch and Silverstone. Later I passed my driving test so I could race cars.

You're a racing instructor as well?

Yes. At 17 I became an instructor at Silverstone and I still teach saloon car racing when I have the time.

What was your first car?

An MG Metro. It was pretty nimble and I absolutely trashed it!

What are your favourite cars?

The latest Elise, because it has fantastic handling, and the Subaru Impreza Turbo P1 - it kicks butt! At the moment I have a limited edition Honda Civic Jordan.

Was TV something you always wanted to do?

I just like doing different things and working on TV is a great opportunity.

Who are your role models?

Davina McCall - I really admire her - and Des Lynam, obviously.

And on a personal level?

Both my parents, who are very supportive. My mum has a very strong character, which I really admire.

Is it important to have women working in so-called male domains?

Definitely. Gender shouldn't come into it.

As a woman, do you have to work harder to prove yourself?

I know my stuff and because of that I've never had any flack.

What makes a successful presenter?

Being yourself. I used to find the job nerve-wracking but I'm used to it now.

What TV programmes do you watch?

Eastenders. I like a good murder mystery too, such as A Touch of Frost.

Which are your three favourite films?

Four Weddings and a Funeral - it's so 90s - Human Traffic and Trainspotting. And I love every single James Bond movie - they're all classics.

What makes you laugh?

I like quick-wittedness. I find Jack Dee and Eddie Izzard very funny.

And cry?

Cruelty to children, or anyone hurting other people.

What is the best part of you job?

Driving cars.

And the worst?

The early starts, the travelling and filming in windy, cold, damp conditions with no amenities.

Who are your favourite designers?

What's a designer? I have literally no idea about clothes, so I don't know!

What clothes do you normally wear?

Jeans. I am either scruffy or incredibly smart and I can't get it right in between. It's quite an effort to look decent for television - I even had to have make-up lessons to begin with.

Who would you invite to a dinner party?

Joanna Lumley; a chef called John Torode from This Morning, so I could ogle him while he was cooking; Des Lynam, so I could stroke his moustache; Robert Carlyle; and Ewan McGregor.