Tiff Needell

Timothy Richard "Tiff" Needell, born on October 29, 1951, is a British racing driver and television presenter renowned for his extensive career in motorsport and his engaging presence on automotive television shows. Needell's journey in racing began in 1970 at a driving school at Brands Hatch. He progressed through Formula Ford, Formula Three, and eventually reached Formula 1. In 1980, he achieved his ultimate status of Grand Prix Driver with a couple of outings for Team Ensign. He participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans fourteen times, with his best result being a third-place finish in 1990 driving a Porsche 962C.

Beyond Formula 1, Needell found success in touring car racing, participating in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) for several years. Alongside his racing career, Tiff Needell transitioned into television, becoming a familiar face to millions of motoring enthusiasts. He began his television career in the mid-1980s. He co-hosted Top Gear for many years and was a founding member of Fifth Gear.

Needell's approachable style and genuine enthusiasm for cars have made him a popular figure in the automotive world. He has also contributed to various automotive publications, sharing his expertise and passion for all things automotive. Today, Needell continues to be involved in the automotive scene, presenting Lovecars and sharing his insights.