The hunger and desire to go racing, however, never leaves your blood but the right opportunity has never really come along -- until now that is.

Racing a thoroughbred grand prix car in front of a home crowd will be a surreal and mighty experience.

I've tried everything other than jumping out of a plane, but nothing gives you an adrenaline rush like racing a car.

The preparation, commitment and desire to win will be no less than the last time I drove a grand prix car in anger.

Fitness will be a major factor in the first race and I think that will play into the hands of drivers who have been racing recently, rather than people like me who haven't raced properly for a decade. I'am not one of the favourites to start with.

Firstly the cars aren't too complicated. They have no traction control, for example, which means you can spin if you try too hard and damage your tires if you're not careful with your driving style.