Nick ‘Nickski’ Hawkins

Age: 25

Occupation: Law Student

Hometown: Oxford

Current Residence: Oxford

What will I bring to the rally?

A near total ignorance of mechanics married with sub-standard banter and a terrible haircut makes me a central member of the team. I have a knowledge of capital cities a nine year old would be proud of, which qualifies me as team navigator. I am also team linguist: I will be able to communicate in all of 2 of 16 countries along our journey. Useful.

‘Dangerous’ Dave Andrews

Age: 25

Occupation: Structural Engineer

Hometown: Beverley, East Yorks

Current Residence: London

What will I bring to the rally?

A miniscule amount of mechanical knowhow, a desire to raise as much cash as possible, a willingness to try any and every weird foreign delicacy in the name of comedy and an appalling sense of direction all make me vital to the team’s efforts. I will also be packing a sumo suit.

‘Sly’ George Crowther

Age: 24

Occupation: Oil Rig Engineer

Hometown: Malvern, Worcs

Current Residence: Oxford

What will I bring to the rally?

I have an unerring ability to whinge, which could actually prove very helpful at border-crossings. Furthermore, when I don’t wash I have body-odour that can ward off wildlife. Probably the most eloquent of the team, I was also taught at school how to carjack and hotwire which will no doubt prove helpful when Matty writes off our vehicle.

Matt ‘Matty Boy’ Davis

Age: 23

Occupation: Engineer

Hometown: Woodbridge, Suffolk

Current Residence: Southampton

What will I bring to the rally?

Over 2 years’ experience as a Cub Scout (I got the map reader badge), basic first aid knowledge, the ability to stay calm/oblivious in any situation, two pairs of boxers and a toothbrush.

Having enjoyed several great years at St. Chad’s College, Durham University, the 5 of us have come together to take on the worst the Mongolian roads have to throw at us...

Advait ‘Advaldo’ Patil

Age: 23

Occupation: Consultant

Hometown: Ottershaw, Surrey

What will I bring to the rally?

Over 2,000 miles of driving experience through the American mid-west in a rusty 4x4 bought for $170, the first 100 miles of which were completed with exposed and leaking fuel lines. 17 consecutive hours worth of experience sleeping on a rock in Bolivia. I am famously immune to the virulent mosquitoes of Asia, which will inevitably result in being  forced to sleep outside.

DAYS TO GO!