Question from Tom Hutchings: What do you recommend for a first car, about £2000 for a 18 year old?
Tiff Needell: I don't know exactly what's on offer for that kind of money. But always go for a popular model, where there'll be plenty of spare parts, and lots of choices to buy. If you go for something special, there's more likely to be trouble that you can't fix. Adrian's our second-hand car man, but he's not with me at the moment!
Question from Christopher 1: Are you still involved with the Newcastle united Lister Storm team?
Tiff Needell: I won my last three races with Lister in the British GT championships last year. But this year, the football club is no longer backing the team and I've switched to a Chrysler Viper for the Interactive Sportscar Championship.
Question from Fraser Will: Do you get more pleasure driving classic sports cars (GT40, E-type, Dino etc) or modern sports cars?
Tiff Needell: I love both, but always prefer the modern ones. I'm always a bit worried the older ones will break if you lean on them too hard!
Question from Teddy Towers: What is your opinion on Professionally modified cars, such as Koenig Ferrari Bi-turbos, Brabus Mercs, etc? Do you approve of altering the manufacturers original?
Tiff Needell: I'm not a big fan of modified machines, but obviously there are some mainstream tuners that do a fantastic job. Brabus in particular.
Question from Ashley Bauermeister: Does Top Gear have to pay to replace the tyres on
the cars you test once finnished?
Tiff Needell: Fortunately the manufacturers seem to enjoy seeing their cars driven
spectacularly as much as the viewers do, so they don't seem to complain!
Question from Scott: Will Tiff be bringing out a Top Gear road test game for the Playstation 2, so anyone can have a go at driving any make & model
Tiff Needell: Sounds like an excellent idea, especially if I can have the copyright!
Question from Shane Keilthy: As an ex-F1 driver what is your opinion on making F1 safer for spectators and marshalls?
Tiff Needell: Obviously, we need to make sure there aren't any gaps in fences. But my
view is that we need to make braking distances longer not only to help avoid accidents like last weekend's, but also to bring more overtaking back into the sport. Nowadays, the brakes are just too good.
Question from Ian: do you ever have rows with the other presenters about who tests which car?
Tiff Needell: Constantly! We all want the glamour trips, we all want the glamour cars. But fortunately I'm the one with the grand prix background!
Question from Chris: I have heard that lead replacement petrol can damage older engines - is this true?
Tiff Needell: Sadly you've gone way over my head, now!
Question from Nicky: Does being a Grand Prix driver, TV presenter and journalist help you score with the ladies?
Tiff Needell: Not now that I'm married with three children!
Question from Al Gaston: Do you think Max Mosley should resign as President of the FIA as Clay Regazzoni, and ex-Ferrari Sporting Director, Romolo Tavoni have suggested?
Tiff Needell: I don't always agree with what Max does, but I still think he does a great job in a very difficult position. I'm just disappointed he's given into the teams, with all their electronic driver aids. Get rid of the fly-by-wire throttle, and automatic gear boxes, and I think you can police traction control.
Question from Tom Rodgers1: Who was your childhood idol?
Tiff Needell: Jim Clark without a doubt. A fantastic driver, and a gentleman. But perhaps I'd rather have been James Hunt!
BBC Host: Here is Tiff Needell with a final word.
Tiff Needell: Thanks for all your interest, and keep watching the programme. Hopefully we'll keep giving you what you want! Keep checking the website, and reading the magazine too!
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