Answers please: Evgeny Novikov

What do you do in the last 30 seconds before you start a stage?

“I wait until there’s 15 seconds to go, switch the car to stage mode, select first gear, and then enable launch control. When the clock hits zero, I release the handbrake and we’re off.”

Apart from your co-driver, who is the most important member of your team and why?

“Everyone in the team is important, but I’d struggle to name anyone more important than my co-driver Ilka Minor! She keeps me right no matter where we are.”

Are you superstitious? If so, do you carry anything lucky in your car?

“I don’t have any superstitions. I believe that it takes away from your self-confidence and I believe only in my own abilities.”

What is your favourite stage in the WRC and why?

“I can’t name any particular stages, but I like rally Monte Carlo and Greece. I think it’s the challenge that I enjoy.”

What is the most difficult stage in the WRC and why?

“The stages in Monte Carlo are really difficult – especially if you have weather like we did this year! Only in Monte you can drive on snow, ice and dry Tarmac on a single stage. It’s a real challenge, but I like that.”

What has been the best moment of your WRC career so far?

“It was rally Portugal last year. I secured my first WRC podium and became the first Russian and, I believe, the youngest ever driver to do so. That was a very nice moment for me.”

What has been the most frightening moment of your career so far?

“My crash in Mexico in 2012 – I wouldn’t say that it was frightening, but it was unpleasant for sure.”

What is your all time number one pop song and why?

“I don’t like the phrase ‘all time’, as everything changes with time and with my mood. But at the moment I’m listening to Eminem’s ‘The Show’ album.”

What was the best birthday present you have ever received?

“My friend gave me a Rolex watch once. That was a pretty good present, and it was really unexpected which made it even better.”

What would you do if you weren’t a World Rally Championship driver?

“I sure I would earn a living one way or another.”