As the 2006 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship passes its halfway point, VX Racing's Fabrizio Giovanardi takes time out to tell us a bit more about himself.

1. Which book are you reading at the moment?
I'm sorry, but I don't like to spend time on story books. I read quite often, but always technical books. I like to know everything about everything.

2. Who are your sporting heroes?
I like to follow just the spectacular sportsmen and not the usual - like the skier Alberto Tomba and Valentino Rossi. They are not satisfied just to participate, only to win. I'm like that. Also, they are not worried before the race.

3. How did you do at school?
The school? Good question. I have never loved the school. I was really bad on the grammatical subjects, and really good in technical lessons. But as soon as it was possible I went to work with my father in his company.

4. Are any of your family working in motorsport?
Yes. My uncle was a rally driver in the past, and he has helped me to come into the racing world.

5. What will you do when you finish racing?
Difficult to say. I love to do everything and I have many businesses in the construction of houses. I have a shop of electronics items also. But for sure not in a racing world - it would be difficult for me to judge other drivers.

6. Do you get recognised very often?
Sometimes, yes. I have been a racing driver from many years, so the people that love motorsport, they recognise me. In every way I don't love the notoriety, I love only the competitions.

7. Who are your closest friends in motor racing?
I have no great friends in motor racing, but I think about myself as a person that gets on with everybody … but only out of the car. When I'm in fight during race I have no friends!

8. What made you want to be a racing driver?
I like any kind of racing - before I started to drive I competed in karting and I have driven motocross and radio control cars. I'm excited when I can win something.

9. What road car do you drive?
I love a big car because normally mine, it's full of everything - bikes, skies, tools. And I need to have it to pull my glider. So my car is a Pajero Mitsubishi. Nothing else.

10. What's the most exciting car you've ever driven?
The Ferrari F1 in 2000 and 2001.

11. Do you have any superstitions or lucky charms?
No, I don't believe in luck - I believe just in my force.

12. How do you prepare for races?
I focus for five minutes before beginning and I think in my mind "You are the best, so you can win."

13. How do you celebrate after a win?
Normally if the run goes badly for me, I am very angry. If I win the day after I'm so calm and my wife doesn't have to bear me. For this reason it's a good day, the best celebration.

14. Explain your helmet design
I change my helmet design every year. I like to start the new season as if it were my first one. It's difficult to explain - my career is not a linear line. Each year is a new story.

15. What is your worst moment in motorsport?
I have not had any ugly moments - only rages owed to the competitions.

16. Have you changed your driving style over the years?
During 20 years of competition, it's normal to change your own style. The first reason is the age and the second is the experience. In the beginning I have been aggressive. Now I try to really concentrate on my job to do the best.

17. What was the best moment?
All my victories - but the best was when my son was born during a competition.

18. What's the most important trait to have as a racing driver?
It's the love for the fight - the need to discover your own limits and to always stay in front of everyone.

19. Do you have any advice for drivers on the road?
Just be safe, the road it's dangerous.

20. Have you ever been caught speeding?
Sometimes yes, but not so many times.