31/03/2005
NEWS STORY
On Sunday, 10 April, Giancarlo Fisichella will take the wheel of his Renault F1 car… on the streets of the Italian capital!
The Renault F1 Team and Renault Italy, in collaboration with the City of Rome, will offer spectators a free public F1 demonstration on Sunday 10 April. Not only that, but there couldn't be a more suitable venue: a 1200m course around the exterior of one of Rome's most recognisable and historic sites, the Circus Maximus.
Two thousand years after the walls of the famous building echoed to the thunder of Roman chariots, a Roman hero will rise again as Giancarlo Fisichella demonstrates his Renault Formula 1 car to the crowds.
The 32 year old Roman, winner of this year's Australian Grand Prix, will be joined by test driver Franck Montagny and the Renault F1 Team Managing Director Flavio Briatore at the spectacular demonstration.
The Italian Managing Director commented: "I love these Roadshow events, that the team began running two years ago. Not only does it give our fans the chance to see the cars, but it allows the general public to get closer to our sport, our drivers and the team. After the reception we had in Madrid for Fernando (Alonso) in 2003, we couldn't miss the opportunity to allow Giancarlo to run in Rome."
Philippe Dauger, Managing Director of Renault Italy, continued: "We are honoured, and grateful, that the City of Rome has granted us the possibility to put on this fantastic show in an unforgettable venue, especially as it will feature Giancarlo just a few weeks after his win in Melbourne. The warm and enthusiastic response of spectators at the other roadshows around Europe, has demonstrated that F1 needs to get closer to its fans, and involve them in this exciting sport."
The final word went to the star of the show, Giancarlo Fisichella: "This Roadshow is a fantastic idea! For me, as a driver but also as a Roman, it will be great fun to drive in the streets, in front of the public and the fans from my city. To be able to see an F1 can close up is normally for just a privileged few, and the drivers are usually far away from the fans at races, so I am looking forward to meeting people and showing them what the sport is all about. I'm sure it will be an unforgettable experience!"
To mark the occasion, the Circus Maximus will be transformed into a sea of blue and yellow, with an F1 paddock, a display of Renault motorsport vehicles and the most dedicated fans will be able to join in the action with a live pit-stop simulation.