Formula 1 two seater race to go ahead

Formula 1 two seater race to go ahead

Aside from the sight and sound extravaganza of a 'full-on' Grand Prix paddock, spectators at the upcoming Thunder in the Park day at Donington, on Tuesday, August 21st, will witness a piece of motor-racing history being made: the first-ever race between two-seater Formula One cars.

This event will provide the climax to a programme of non-stop, on-track action at the famous Derbyshire circuit aimed at bringing Formula One closer to the fans.

Star attraction of the day will undoubtedly be Nigel Mansell, the 1992 Formula One World Champion and 1993 CART Indycar Champion piloting a number of lucky passengers at Grand Prix speeds around the swoops, dips and high-speed bends of Donington.

The highlight of the day will get under way at 3pm, however, as the two-seater Formula One machines move to their grid positions and drivers prepare for the 12-lap race that will include a compulsory pit stop and passenger change for each competing car.

"It should be a great day out for everybody," said Paul Stoddart, "and there will be that little extra bit of excitement, knowing that we're making motorsport history by staging the first-ever Formula One two-seater race. Ever since we instigated the F1x2 programme, in 1999, we've dreamed of staging such an event. Now it's about to become reality, and the best part is that we will be able to share it with the fans. I'm really looking forward to it."