Formerly technical director of Marussia/Virgin, who actually started his working career as a pop singer, who via TV appearances as both a singer and comic actor, became interested in the sport. He also worked as a television presenter, hosting Russia's version of Top Gear and The Weakest Link. By this time, he was a racer, in FIA GT for 6 years, and appeared at Le Mans. Nikolai owned Marussia Motors, and took a large stake in the F1 team a few years back, as well as then being engineering director. Nikolai scaled back his role at the end of 2013 and then ran the car concern, even though the F1 team of the same name became Manor F1. However, Nikolai hit financial problems and disbanded Marussia in 2016. He is now back as a broadcaster on Russian television and radio.

Biography last updated 19 Sep 2018