Host of hit BBC kids’ show Grace’s Amazing Machines, automotive presenter and journalist Grace Webb on supercar spins, electric cars and why she’s driving with Disney

Are you a good driver?
I’d like to think so! I cover a lot of miles through my job, which has given me loads of experience. I’m always the designated driver in my group of friends, so it’s nice to know that they trust me.

How many times did you take your test?
I took my test as soon as I possibly could and passed two months after my 17th birthday – which, at that point, was my second attempt. The first time, I misjudged a yellow box. I was following traffic and thought I could just squeeze past it, but my back wheels were inside. I side-eyed the assessor who was making a mark on his clipboard. Gutted. You should have seen my face a few years later when I found out that particular yellow box had since been removed!

What was your first car?
Mine was a Peugeot 206 1.6L Turbo – and I loved it. My parents helped me get on the road and I’m sure they loved seeing me accessorise it with fluffy dice, nodding dogs and obnoxiously loud music, which were all the rage at the time. Honestly. 

First time you drove abroad?
I would have been 18 at the time and on the streets of Alicante, Spain. A family friend had a villa in the area and, whenever I would visit, I’d take his Jaguar out for a spin, feeling very cool. I was still relatively new to driving then so I had to keep repeating in my head: “Drive on the right, drive on the right”. But I guess I still do that now if ever I drive abroad. Other Brits do that, right?

Your favourite road trip destination?
As part of my job, I’ve been really fortunate to visit some epic roads with some fantastic cars. A few years ago, I drove a Ferrari 296 GTS (the first Ferrari with a V6 engine) to the hills of Bologna, Italy and the views were just breathtaking. The road surface was such high quality and there were plenty of twisty corners to keep me entertained! This has, so far, been my favourite road trip destination – possibly helped by the car.

What’s your biggest driving ick?
Drivers who throw their rubbish out the window. 

Prone to road rage?
No, I wouldn’t say so. The best advice I was given for driving on the road is to ‘keep your distance’, that way you have more time to react. I always try to do this.

Most dramatic road trip story?
I was set the challenge to drive an electric car from Oslo to Tromsø – Europe’s northernmost city. This was made all the more dramatic in that we had to complete this challenge in 24 hours. It was both tiring and exhilarating, with stunning views along Norway’s E6 route, in particular. Being in a super quiet EV added to the tranquillity. 

What’s your ultimate driving album?
It has to be the soundtrack album from Cars, the Disney Pixar film. I love that film anyway, but the music always gives me those sunshine, American highway feels, regardless of where I’m actually driving.

What cars do you own now?
A Mercedes A-Class. As a teenager, my sister and I had a karaoke machine, where one of our favourites to sing was ‘Get The Party Started’ by P!nk. A lyric in that song goes, “Sending out a message to all of my friends, we’ll be looking flashy in my Mercedes-Benz” – and ever since, I’ve always wanted to look flashy in a Mercedes-Benz!

What’s your dream car?
Probably still the Mercedes, but I’d love to own one of the top-spec A45 models. I think they’re a great balance of sports car, while still being a daily driver.

Describe your relationship to driving in five words or fewer.
Space, freedom, independence.

You can follow Grace’s adventures and filming antics on Instagram. Plus you can also catch her live on stage as the motors.co.uk ambassador at The British Motor Show in Farnborough, England, from 15-18 August 2024 

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This article has been tagged Adventure, Driving