BMW’s world of sports

BMW goes from the fairway to the dockside as its Formula One team prepares for the Silverstone GP and the British International Motor Show.

Silverstone race circuit will echo to the banshee wail of more than just a brace of BMW Sauber Formula One cars lining up on the grid at the British Grand Prix on 11 June. The unique BMW Sauber F1 Team Pit Lane Park experience is poised to come to the Northamptonshire venue as it continues its pioneering tour of select Grand Prix circuits.

News that the hottest attraction to hit F1 this season will be staged at Silverstone coincides with BMW emphasising the link between customers and motor sport and its involvement in golf at the International British Motor Show.

The BMW Sauber F1 Pit Lane Park brings the thrill of Formula One closer to race fans. The forthcoming British Grand Prix at Silverstone will host the authentic pit lane and stadium, constructed on the inside of the Becketts corner complex of the circuit. Entrance to the BMW Sauber F1 Pit Lane Park is free to all GP ticket holders between 10.00am and 6.00pm on race days. Once inside, fans will witness BMW’s F1 drivers performing simulated practice starts then powering down a 90-metre section of track, with a turning circle at the far end.

Behind the start line, an extensive pit garage will house an interactive wheel change challenge and a room for question and answer sessions with BMW Sauber F1 experts. Other highlights will include static displays of F1 cars, allowing fans to compare the weight of an F1 part with its series production equivalent, and the chance to slip into some race overalls and have photos taken in the cockpit of an F1 car.

As a link between the UK’s premier motorsport event and the UK’s most important Motor Show, the BMW Sauber Formula One car and a Formula BMW race car will also be on display at BMW’s stand at the British International Motor Show. The World Touring Car Championship contending BMW 320si, driven by Andy Priaulx, is another feature of BMW’s Motor Show presence.

Golf-sport
In the week that British golfer David Howell won the BMW Championship 2006, held at Wentworth, BMW’s relationship with golf will also be brought to the fore at the Motor Show with visitors being able to test their golfing prowess in a hole-in-one competition. A floating green will be moored in the centre of the Royal Victoria Dock adjacent to BMW’s stand and contestants will be given the chance to compete for hospitality tickets to the 2007 BMW Championship at Wentworth.