FOR years, men and women have argued over who make the better drivers – and a Godmanchester man has been trying to settle the row. Phillip Malley, 30, carried the hopes of half the nation when he competed in Britain s Best Driver Challenge at Silverstone

FOR years, men and women have argued over who make the better drivers - and a Godmanchester man has been trying to settle the row.

Phillip Malley, 30, carried the hopes of half the nation when he competed in Britain's Best Driver Challenge at Silverstone last week.

Ten men and 10 women took part in a series of challenges at the home of the F1 British Grand Prix - to settle the debate once and for all.

Phillip, who works in Gatehouse Estates, Kimbolton, said: "I heard about the competition when I received an e-mail from the organisers Shell.

"You get loads of junk in your inbox but I thought this one looked interesting and before I knew it I was racing at Silverstone."

Television presenter and former England footballer Ian Wright captained the boys' team with supermodel and racing fanatic Jodie Kidd leading the girls.

Phillip, who was selected from hundreds of other hopefuls from across the country, admitted to a few nerves before the event.

He said: "At first, I was a bit in awe working so closely with Ian Wright, but he was more than pleasant and I think his football past means he's very used to getting involved with the lads."

Challenges at the circuit included performing a pit stop, controlling a skidding car to hit a giant football, as well as a theory-based driving exam testing reactions and motoring intelligence.

Phillip drove a variety of cars at the circuit, from a Lotus Exige to a 4x4 Land Rover, via a classic Caterham race car. He said: "I drive around quite a bit for my job and you can't help but be amazed every day when you see the way people drive on the road.

"I certainly wouldn't claim to be Britain's best driver but I do think I've learned a thing or two after going through the activities and challenges."

Did the men make the better drivers on the day? Phillip admitted: "Probably not, to be honest.

"A lot of us had to calm down before some of the trickier events - the natural instinct is just to floor it."

The action will be broadcast week by week on the internet before the winner is announced in February.

INFORMATION: To find out whether Phillip will be crowned Britain's Best Driver, you can visit www.shell.co.uk/bestdriver