Car Q&A with Olympian, Derek Redmond
Retired British gold medalist, Derek Redmond is the latest famous face to partner with Pink Car Leasing as a brand ambassador. We spoke to the athlete to uncover some of his driving memories and find out how he’s been keeping himself busy during this uncertain period and his thoughts on the brand new Range Rover he’s been driving.
Q. We know that you love cars and are thrilled with your Range Rover Valor. Why did you choose that particular model?
The main reason I chose this particular car is because I’m a huge fan of the make. I needed an SUV and I don’t think you can get anything better than a Range Rover!
Q. What's the best thing about your new car?
I would have to say that the best thing is that it drives really smoothly. I also like how it’s high up and that it’s a classy model.
Q. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and talk about your first car? What was and did you love it?
My first car was a Ford Fiesta 950cc, which didn’t even have a one litre engine. I did love it because I spent more on the stereo system than I did on the actual car itself!
Q. No doubt your attitude towards cars has changed since then. What is it that you look for in cars today?
Yes, that’s true. As I’ve gotten older, I do look for different things in cars these days. I am fortunate to own some beautiful cars and each of them do different things for me. Comfort and the look of the car are two of the biggest things I typically look for but when choosing the Range Rover, I also considered practicality.
Q. Have you managed to drive your new car yet? How does it feel?
Yes, I’ve had the chance to use it a few times and I love it! I also feel really good in it, which is important to me.
Q. If you could plan your dream road trip, where would you go and who would you take?
Well, I would take my best friend who also happens to be my wife and a drive across Europe would be where we would go.
Q. Whilst we might not like to admit it, we all have that one song that we love to play in the car. Can you tell us your all-time favourite driving song?
To be honest, I don’t have that perfect song but I do listen to a lot of Funky House and Jazz when driving as I tend to drive long distances quite a lot.
Q. You've recently volunteered to help deliver parcels which is such a great thing to be doing right now. How are you finding it?
It’s fine really. I’m just getting used to the scanner as I have to scan every parcel prior to delivery and I feel good doing my little bit to help out during this time too.
Q. Before you started volunteering, you were busy with your keynote speaking and helping businesses to improve their performance. What advice would you give to people who might be finding staying at home tough?
I would recommend that you try and get yourself into a routine that you follow each day. This can include some work or volunteering, exercise, all those jobs you keep meaning to do, calling friends you haven’t spoken to in a while etc. No matter what it is, having some sort of routine is definitely key.
Q. What does your routine include? And how are you keeping you both mentally and physically fit?
Well, I do the volunteering work in the mornings, from 7am until 12pm. Then, I spend a bit of time in the office catching up on emails, video calls etc. I have a punch bag, a static bike, weights and dumbbells and a golf net, which I use to do some exercise. I also try to spend some time with the family, usually while watching a film.
Q. And finally, we have to ask, who's the better driver - you or Maria?
That’s simple, me!
To keep up to date with Derek and his partnership with Pink Car Leasing, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Instagram!