Soft Spot for Black Cars

Clad in a stylish charcoal shift dress and killer heels, one might think of Joanne de Rozario as the kind of girl who loves nothing more than spending her days at her favourite spa getting primped up.

One could not be more wrong.

She might not look it, but Joanne just prefers to be one of the guys - only she's much better looking.

And she can hold her own - this ntv7 personality and The Breakfast Show presenter has a tough as nails attitude that has won her several journalism awards, and recognition as one of the station's - perhaps even the country's - best producers.

This self-confessed petrolhead has always been fascinated with cars.

"I think I have my father to thank," she said.

"When I was four years old, he bought me a remote control car! And that just did it for me."

When it comes to motoring, nothing excites her more than Ferrari and Formula One.

So when ntv7 won the rights as host broadcaster for this year's Formula One races, the producers turned to Joanne to spice things up and host the Grandstand For The Formula One World Championships with fellow Breakfast Show personality Daphne Iking.

Joanne didn't need any persuasion - one could say that she was a walking F1 dictionary. Not just on the fluffy bits like top teams and cute drivers, but also in the technicalities and politics of it all.

A steely glint appeared in her eyes when she spoke about current F1 issues, like budget capping. "It ruins the sport," she said. "If you have no budget, join the A1 - that's why they created it in the first place!"

But there are plenty of other things Joanne loves about the sport - Michael Schumacher, for one.

"I cried when he retired," she admitted sheepishly.

Although Ferrari will always be her favourite team, she is enjoying the way Brawn GP is giving the bigger teams a wake-up call. "I really admire the way Ross Brawn works his cars and drivers. He's just brilliant," said Joanne.

As for her current choice of chariot, Joanne recently received delivery of a sleek black Honda Civic 2.0. "I have something with black cars and Hondas," she said.

"The first car I drove after I passed my driving exam was my father's black Proton Knight. And in university, I had a second-hand Honda Civic Bubble."

Her love affair with Honda continued after she came back to Malaysia.

"I got myself a really dependable City, which I kept for 10 years," she said. "I had great memories in that car too, especially on road trips to Penang and Cherating with friends."

That she loves speed is a given, although Joanne will not divulge in how fast she's driven her Civic. "I don't think this is something I should say out loud," she laughs. And when it comes to the ultimate dream machine to feed her need for speed, she said: "A black Ferrari California with plush leather seats. I'd push it real hard down the autobahn."

Catch Joanne de Rozario live on The Breakfast Show, every Monday to Friday, 7am to 10am, on ntv7.

JOANNE'S PICKS

What's playing in your car? 

I have my iPod plugged into my stereo system. I'm currently listening to a mix of '90s rock - Our Lady Peace, Pearl Jam, Incubus, Creed, Live and Smashing Pumpkins.

City driving or country driving?

Country driving because I wouldn't be in a rush to get anywhere and therefore will be less irritated if I come across road idiots. He, he...

Porsche rumble or Ferrari scream?

Ferrari scream, baby!

Automatic or manual? 

Manual for highway driving, automatic for the city

Your dream passenger?

Either Johnny Depp or Bono. A lot of people would've expected me to say Michael Schumacher but I think I'd be a little too intimidated having a seven-time F1 world champion scrutinise my every move! I would love to drive either one of them to Pismo Beach. We'd take the PCH from San Francisco. And along the way we'd talk about everything! I've always wanted to pick either man's brain.

What's in your car?

You'll find a bottle of water, a pair of black heels and mints.

What's your car like?

Just like me! It's comfortable and reliable but with just enough velocity when you need it.