27/04/2008
NEWS STORY
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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.'