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Vodafone VIP brought a taste of Formula 1 to the heart of Manchester city centre this August bank holiday, as F1 driver Jenson Button and the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team staged a celebration of the sport.
From Friday to Monday, Vodafone customers and up to 3 of their friends were given the chance to access the Vodafone VIP Fan Zone in Albert Square. The installation contained bespoke Go Kart track, and a number of interactive F1 experiences, including a pit stop challenge, a sit in Vodafone McLaren Mercedes car, an F1 simulator and an exhibition of race suits and helmets. Throughout the weekend there was also be a pit garage on the forecourt of the Hilton Deansgate in which customers could have garage tours.
The highlight of the weekend was on Monday, when Button drove his Vodafone McLaren Mercedes F1 car through the streets of Manchester. Button also treated one lucky Vodafone customer to a thrilling drive through Manchester city centre in a McLaren MP4-12C, and ended the day with an on-stage, public Q&A appearance.
This three day celebration was part of Vodafone’s initiative to give more people the chance to experience F1 first-hand. Previous Vodafone events have taken place in central London and at the McLaren Technology Centre in Surrey, so by staging this in the North West, Vodafone are looking to take the sport to a wider audience and reward as many of their customers as possible.
The F1 event in Manchester was just one element of Vodafone VIP, which gives customers access to the best of British festival, fashion and Formula 1 events. Vodafone VIP supplies customers with the hottest tickets and money can’t buy experiences. All Vodafone customers can register for Vodafone VIP by going online.
* Official photos and details courtesy of VODAFONE MCLAREN MERCEDES *
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is a must see annual event for motorsport fans from Britain and far beyond and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes will be out in force again this year with our drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button. Well over 100,000 people are expected to join in the biggest celebration of motorsport in the world, held in the grounds of Goodwood House in West Sussex from today until July 3.
This year, we’re bringing two Formula 1 cars, the 1981 McLaren MP4/1 and the 2008 Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-23, along with the groundbreaking new McLaren MP4-12C performance car.
All three cars will be driven hard up the 1.87km-long Goodwood hillclimb course on both Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd. Jenson will do the honours on Saturday, while Lewis takes over driving duties on Sunday.
The Festival of Speed showcases both current and historic vehicles and has become hugely popular with teams, fans and drivers alike since it began in 1993.
Take a closer look at the cars McLaren is bringing along:
What is it? 1981 McLaren MP4/1
Who drove it? Andrea de Cesaris (1981), John Watson (1981-1983), Niki Lauda (1982-1983)
What makes it special? It was the first-ever Formula 1 car with a carbon fibre composite chassis, meaning it was a lot stronger, lighter and safer than the competition of the era. It was also the first CFC car to take the chequered flag in a Formula 1 race – John Watson won the 1981 British Grand Prix in it.
How successful was it? It was the car that saw McLaren return to its winning ways. It also heralded the beginning of the team’s most dominant era in the sport to date.
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What is it? 2008 Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4/23
Who drove it? Lewis Hamilton, Heikki Kovalainen
What makes it special? It’s the most aerodynamically advanced Formula 1 car ever – rule changes ahead of the 2009 season banned aerodynamic devices protruding from the cars’ bodywork. Lewis Hamilton also became a world champion on the last corner of the last lap of the last race of the 2008 season in the car. It was the most nail-biting finish in history.
How successful was it? Seven poles, five wins and a World Drivers’ Championship for Lewis Hamilton, plus one pole and one win for Heikki Kovalainen.
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What is it? 2011 McLaren MP4-12C
Who will drive it? Lots of lucky new owners!
What makes it special? It’s the first road car in its segment that boasts a carbon fibre chassis, which makes it extremely light and strong. It also features Brake Steer Formula 1 technology and hydraulically interconnected dampers for supremely agile handling and ride comfort.
How successful will it be? McLaren Automotive is planning to build 1,000 cars by the end of the first year of production and its race-prepared sister, the MP4-12C GT3, has also been announced.
Useful information on the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2011:
Tickets and further information for the 2011 Festival of Speed can be found on the Goodwood website www.goodwood.co.uk/festival-of-speed or via the ticket hotline: +44 (0)1243 755055.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/festivalofspeed
Twitter: @fosgoodwood
* Official photos and details courtesy of VODAFONE MCLAREN MERCEDES *
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
