London grand prix could become a reality
Consultation held over the next few weeks could open up London’s roads for Formula One racing.
Jenson Button’s dream of a Formula One grand prix on London’s streets could come true. That’s if the idea passes a six-week Government consultation being held in the next few days.
The McLaren F1 driver, alongside former teammate Lewis Hamilton, strongly backed the campaign when it was proposed in 2012. Button said: "When I first saw the plans for a London Grand Prix I knew they were ambitious, but fantastic.”
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Back then F1 sponsors, Santander, revealed a CGI video showing what a race around the capital’s roads would look like and famous landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Trafalgar Square were included. The video can be viewed below…
“The thought of a race through the capital's streets was only a dream when they initiated the project, but this week's changes to the law bring the idea a step closer to reality,” said Button.
"When you really picture what it would look like it's truly mind blowing. You could create such a unique grand prix through the streets of London – the roads are naturally very wide and long, so straight-line speeds would be high, and you could create a real blend of corners.”
A Government consultation on closing public roads for motorsport events will run until April 10. Open stage rallies, sprints and hill climbs restricted to certain British Roads are the main considerations, but it could also make F1 racing in London a reality.
The MSA acting chief executive, Rob Jones, said: "This is the news British motor sport has been waiting for. It represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change the landscape of our sport, allowing local communities across the country to host motor sport events and enjoy all the excitement and economic benefit they bring.”
"The government's enthusiasm for closed-road motor sport, and its launch of a public consultation, is the culmination of years of hard work behind the scenes.”
"We now have to demonstrate the support that exists for closed-road motor sport around the country."
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