GPlive GOES LIVE!

GPlive, a unique celebration of the pinnacle of motor racing entertainment, will bring the sound of Grand Prix racing cars of all eras back to the Donington Park racing circuit, Derby on the weekend of 18-20th May 2007.

"GPlive will be a stylish display that recaptures the golden days of Grand Prix motor racing, giving unprecedented access to the fastest cars and the greatest stars" said event originator Richard Morgan. "Over three days, visitors will enjoy a wide variety of motorsport and lifestyle activities. Donington is a vibrant venue with masses of history and we’ll combine that with a high octane celebration, featuring what will probably be the largest gathering of former Grand Prix cars in the world".

Over its three days, the GPlive event will combine races and on track demonstrations from historic cars and drivers who remain motor sport legends. The launch event at Donington Park on 18th July included stars and cars, covering well over half a Century of motorsport endeavour.

Sir Stirling Moss, who demonstrated a 1954 Maserati 250F at the launch is a firm fan of GPlive: "It will be a motorsport experience like no other – celebrating the pinnacle of racing achievement and showcasing some wonderful old relics – including me! I’m sure that the combination of historic, classic, and contemporary Grand Prix machinery will be irresistible to enthusiasts from around the world."

Also at the launch of GPlive was Jochen Mass, the German driver who thirty years ago this year, was team mate in the McLaren team to the late James Hunt in his victorious 1976 World Championship season. Mass was reunited with one of the McLaren M23 models with which James took to the title.

"It was a fantastic year, a fantastic team and a fantastic car" said Mass as he looked again at his old car. "For me this is what GPlive is all about. Reliving memories and meeting old friends. Both the cars and the drivers."
Bringing GPlive’s launch right up to date was the presence of contemporary machinery from the European Minardi team that raced in the 2005 World Championship, along with former team boss Paul Stoddart – another fan of the GPlive format.

"We’re delighted to be supporting an event like this, which brings the glamour and passion of the sport to the people. It’s long overdue" said Stoddart. "GPlive is all about fun and spectacle and we aim to play our part with our F1x2, two-seat cars and some of the old race cars too."

GPlive’s organisers are planning for an anticipated crowd in excess of 30,000 visitors to the inaugural event, which in addition to a packed programme of on-track action, will feature activities and displays across the Donington venue.

These include: Polesitters – a static display of cherished grand prix cars; Silver Screen Racers, an (outdoor) "Autotorium" showing the very best in grand prix footage; Marque Paddocks devoted to Car Club displays; Wind & Wheels – an exhibition charting the progress of aerodynamics in grand prix design; Artemotive – an exhibition of the finest grand prix and motoring imagery, a Motorsport Mall; Grand Prix Panellists where a selection of drivers each day will be invited to answer questions from the public; the Drivers Sign On area - an area dedicated to autograph and book signing sessions; and the GIG zone – where you can test your skill as a grand prix driver, at a Grand Prix Interactive Gaming zone.

"For three days next May, race fans will have a unique opportunity to get close to the cars and the drivers at the heart of this great sport" said Richard Morgan. "More than anything, that’s what GPlive is all about."