|
A1GP World Cup of Motorsport roared into London's West End today (Sunday) to
make a pit stop on Regent Street in front of a massive crowd, ahead of the A1GP
season three title decider at the legendary Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit in
Kent next weekend (2-4 May).
Lower Regent Street reverberated to the roar of 520 horsepower as several
hundred thousand people gathered to experience an A1GP car being fired up. All
22 nations represented in this unique international motor racing series lined up
in London to show off their cars and drivers to visitors to this world famous
street.
The A1GP Pit Stop Regent Street was an extravaganza of noise and colour,
kicking off at 11am with an opening speech by Sir Simon Milton, Leader of
Westminster City Council, who welcomed everyone to a day of fun and
entertainment as the A1GP car fired up its engine.
Fourteen national team drivers took it in turns to be interviewed on the
stage and sign autographs, while a jumbo screen displayed action from the events
that have earned the series the reputation as being the most entertaining in the
world of motorsport.
National team seat holders, including double Formula One World Champion,
Emerson Fittipaldi, and A1GP executives also took their turns to be interrogated
by the series own TV commentators, while further noise was made by USA
cheerleaders, as well as dancers and drummers from Ireland, India and Brazil.
And to mark A1GP's partnership with Ferrari, two 599 GTBs used as the series'
safety cars were also on display.
While racing fans heard how A1 Team New Zealand's Jonny Reid will try to stop
A1 Team Switzerland's Neel Jani win the championship title for his country, the
younger fans were more excited by a couple of guests who won't be racing at
Brands Hatch. Roary the Racing Car and his mechanic Big Chris from Nick Jr and
Channel Five's Milkshake were there for stage appearances and photo
sessions.
A1GP Chairman Tony Teixeira said the event on Regent Street today was a
fantastic lead up to the season finale next weekend.
'Today was a great way to give the people of London a taste of what they can
expect at Brands Hatch next weekend,' said Mr Teixeira.
'We're really honoured to be able to showcase all our teams and their cars
and drivers on such an iconic street in the multicultural city of London and we
thank the Regent Street Association for giving us this opportunity.'
He continued, 'From the outset one of our aims has been to make motorsport
accessible to all ages and it was great to see so many families and young people
here today getting up close to the cars and drivers.'
The A1GP Brands Hatch, Great Britain event runs from 2-4 May, starting with
the rookie driver and developing nations' sessions on Friday morning from 11.00
to 11.25 and again from 11.35 to 12.00. All 22 teams can take part in the later
practice session from 14.00 to 15.00. Final practice and qualifying for the
Sprint and Feature race will take place on Saturday with the two races scheduled
to run on Sunday at 11.00 and 14.30 respectively.
|
