13/06/2011
NEWS STORY
In the run up to the Canadian Grand Prix weekend it was revealed that all eight UK-based F1 teams will be opening their doors to the public to promote National Motorsport Week, which takes place from 25 June to 3 July.
Backed by the Motor Sports Association (MSA), the UK's governing body of motorsport, and the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA), National Motorsport Week exists both to highlight the UK's on-going world-leading role in all areas of international motor sport as well as to showcase the wide range of opportunities open to enthusiasts at grass roots level throughout the country.
Over the course of National Motorsport Week, all manner of activities from promotions to open days and taster days will be taking place up and down the country, hosted by motor clubs, businesses, venues and teams to help drive awareness of, and engagement in motorsport.
As the prominent element of this week of activity, all eight UK-based Formula One outfits will be opening their doors to the public through a series of promotions intended to provide a unique insight into the behind-the-scenes operations of a grand prix team.
The initiative illustrates not only the fact that the vast majority of F1 teams are located in Britain but also the successes for British drivers at the pinnacle of the sport. Since the formation of the FIA Formula One World Championship, UK teams have notched up an unrivalled tally of 34 Constructors' Championships (next best is Italy with 16 titles) while Britain also has produced more F1 World Champions than any other nation with ten title winners; Brazil and Finland are next up with three each.
Emphasising this global superiority during the course of National Motorsport Week, a series of factory tours to Red Bull Racing (Milton Keynes), Vodafone McLaren Mercedes (Woking), Lotus Renault GP (Enstone), Mercedes GP Petronas (Brackley), Force India (Silverstone), AT&T Williams (Wantage), Team Lotus (Hingham) & Marussia Virgin Racing (Sheffield) will be on offer via the Go Motorsport website .
Colin Hilton, Chief Executive of the MSA, said: "We are delighted that the eight UK-based F1 teams are leading National Motorsport Week from the front by opening their doors to the public, particularly at the height of their busiest period around the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the British Grand Prix.
"While their participation helps to underline the UK's leadership in international motor sport, National Motorsport Week is about much more than Formula One; it's about people getting out there and getting involved in motor sport for the first time."