“My 'Movember' moustache was never going to be as big as Nigel Mansell's, but I tried my best. The amazing thing is that when you try to grow a moustache, you notice everyone else's. There are some amazing moustaches on the grid.”

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

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

“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.”

“I think life is full of challenges and problems. I don't believe that anyone is perfect. We all make mistakes. It's not a bed of roses, and you have to work real hard at it.”