Sir Stirling Moss

The 83-year-old Brit's comments were made during an interview at the Motor Racing Hall of Fame.

Moss added that he would like someone "masculine" like James Bond actor Daniel Craig to play him"I hope the actor would be masculine – not a poofter or anything like that. Perhaps the guy from Skyfall.”

He has tried to defend his comments, telling the Mirror "I think it would be difficult for someone of the other persuasion, who is homosexual, to take on the part, as I have spent my life driving cars and chasing girls.

"I'm sorry I've caused offence, but I'm disappointed anyone could be so narrow-minded as to take offence. It was not meant to cause any.”