Thursday 19 June at 23:02 : As the excitement builds for this year’s British Grand Prix in July, motorsport fans throughout the region are in for a high-octane surprise, as Formula One comes to Manchester (GB) for the first time ever. To celebrate the highlight on the British motorsport calendar, the BMW Sauber F1 Team will install its interactive Pit Lane Park at the Trafford Centre from 4-6 July.

The Formula One theme park will be open to all visitors, free of charge and offers unrivalled access to the sounds, power and dynamics of the world’s most exhilarating and high-tech sport. Following the excitement of the team’s maiden Grand Prix victory in Canada last weekend, the BMW Sauber F1 Team will be striving for another thrilling race at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, on July 6. The team’s Polish driver Robert Kubica currently leads the Drivers’ Championship, four points ahead of Lewis Hamilton (GB).

Situated in the car park of the Trafford Centre, the BMW Sauber F1 Team Pit Lane Park will feature a state-of-the-art 110-metre asphalt track, including two turning circles to create exciting tyre-smoking theatrics. Throughout the three days, BMW drivers demonstrate their extraordinary command of both the Formula One and Formula BMW FB02 race cars.

Augusto Farfus (BR), competing for BMW Team Germany in the World Touring Car Championship (FIA WTCC), will be driving the BMW Sauber F1 Team car on each of the days. Marcus Ericsson (SE), reigning Formula BMW UK champion, will demonstrate his skills in the FB02 on Friday. Local hero Matt Howson (GB) will take over the wheel of the Formula BMW car on Saturday and Sunday.

Within the park, visitors will be invited to take part in a myriad of F1-themed interactive attractions, including driving simulators, a fuel stop, a Pit Stop Challenge and a Formula One Lab. Manchester is one of the international locations to be selected to host the BMW Sauber F1 Team Pit Lane Park this year. In 2007, approximately 300,000 visitors visited the park.

Entrance to the Pit Lane Park is free for all visitors.
Opening hours:
Friday 4 July: 11.00am – 22.00pm
Saturday 5 July: 10.00am – 22.00pm
Sunday 6 July: 10.00am – 20.00pm