The Formula One roadshow rolls into Abu Dhabi next weekend for round 18 of what has been an enthralling 2012 season to date. Adding a touch of glamour to proceedings will be Natalie Pinkham, pit-lane presenter for British broadcasters Sky Sports.
Aside from bringing you all the latest news and gossip from the paddock, Natalie will also be hosting this year’s F1 Chequered Flag Ball alongside fellow broadcaster and ex-team owner Eddie Jordan.
Sport360’s Chris McHardy caught up with Natalie earlier this week to find out a little more about what life is like in ‘the best job in the world’.
So, how did you catch the motoring bug Natalie?
I was born near Silverstone [home of the British Grand Prix] and so I went as a kid. I also have an older brother, Sam, who is car mad. I started feigning an interest so I could hang out with him and look cool and before I knew it, it had become a genuine passion.
Growing up who was your F1 hero?
It’s got to be Ayrton Senna and probably Damon Hill as it was amazing growing up watching a Brit do so well.
Best thing about travelling the world as an F1 reporter?
You get to see so many incredible cultures through the eyes of a sport I love. To be working in a sport that is just so exciting, keeps you on your toes, is constantly evolving and is so dynamic, and then to dip in and out of so many cultures, it’s just a dream come true. And to do it within such a fantastic team at Sky. Everyone is very like minded. We all have a strong work ethic and we all get on incredibly well. Everyone is between the age of 25-35 with the exception of Martin Brundle and David Croft. (laughs) There’s a real buzz and energy about the team. We work hard and play hard and that’s great.
And the worst thing?
Jet-lag and queuing. They are the only two things. But it’s a small price to pay for having the best job in the world.
Your cure for jet-lag?
I say, just keep going. Trust me you can do amazing things at 4am!
What are the three things you always have in your carry-on luggage?
Definitely my iPod with good music, a copy of F1 Racing- quite geeky I know – and good moisturiser. [I’ve] got to keep young and fresh for TV!
Your first car and what are you currently driving?
My first car was a Peugeot 205 called Jose. Despite being a Chelsea fan it was not named after Jose Mourinho. I got my car in 2000 and he came in 2004. My current car is a Jaguar X. I’m part of the Jaguar Sports Academy so I’m sponsored by them. The perks of the job if you will (laughs) I love it. It’s like driving a very comfy sofa that is quite quick.
How many times did it take for you to pass your driving test?
First time baby!
Your last speeding fine…
I hate sounding smug, but I can honestly say I have never had one. I’ve never had any sort of speeding fine or any points on my license. I’m a stickler for road safety.
You travel all round the world, but which country has the worst drivers?
Most people would say the Indians because they are bonkers! But in many ways they are the best because they are just so instinctive. They create five lanes where there’s only three. They weave in and out of each other but somehow they manage to do it. So actually their reaction skills are amazing. In some ways you could argue they are the best drivers. But it’s certainly the most nervous I have ever been. It’s like nowhere on earth.
The best interview you have ever done?
In terms of people that give you great interviews and who have got depth – I’d say Mark Webber. He’s passionate about other things outside of Formula One and he’s just an all-round good bloke. It’s quite refreshing talking to him. He just talks to you human-to-human rather than reporter-to-driver. He’s very feisty and tenacious. Very down to earth and the kind of bloke you want to go for a beer with.
And the most embarrassing…
The one thing I did do was try and impress Fernando Alonso by talking Spanish to him during an interview as I do speak the language. But there is one word in Spanish that it is very similar to the ‘C’ word in English. And of course I dropped it didn’t I? He got the giggles before I realised what I had done. It was total cringe. And I guess that is what you get for trying to show off. Thank goodness it was not live!
The best destination on the F1 calendar?
In terms of pure racing – Singapore because it’s a night race and it’s great fun. Monaco is obviously amazing for the glamour, the tradition and the history that goes with it. And in terms of culture I love India. I love the colours, the food, the people. Everything about India is just glorious chaos.
What makes the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix so special?
Abu Dhabi is so good because it so well-organized, clean and everything is taken care of for you. It’s the very antithesis of the Indian race in many respects. It’s an amazing race and they’ve done an incredible job at Yas Marina Circuit.
What are you looking forward to most about coming to Abu Dhabi?
I’m looking forward to a day-night race which is absolutely brilliant. It gives the drivers an additional challenge of driving in daylight and then under the lights. That in itself is very special And of course I’m very much looking forward to the F1 Chequered flag ball. I can’t wait.
And finally, who is going to win the 2012 Drivers Championship?
Oh god, it’s going to be Vettel isn’t it? I know I shouldn’t say ‘oh God’, but I wanted it to go right down to the last race. But he has just come good at the right time. The car is looking great and he knows exactly what it takes being a back-to-back winner. You can never rule Alonso out, though, as he gets every last bit out of his car. Fingers crossed he can make a fight of it and keep us on our toes right the way to Brazil.
* For breaking news, follow us on @Sport_360 or find us on Facebook.
