The ING Renault F1 Roadshow, featuring seasoned Formula 1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella and recently appointed test driver, Nelson Piquet Jr, will be powering through the streets of Sandton on Sunday, 29 July.
Fisichella will be piloting the championship winning ING Renault F1 Roadshow Team car. It features the chassis of the F1 car that took Renault to victory in the 2006 Formula One World Championship. Eight months of research, design and testing spent on the car resulted in the Renault F1 Team clinching the World Championship for a second time in a row.
Driven by Fernando Alonso and Fisichella throughout the 2006 F1 season, the car notched up eight wins out of 18 races, seven pole positions, five fastest laps and a total of 206 points.
According to Flavio Briatore, ING Renault F1 Team Managing Director, the essence of the Roadshow is to run the F1 cars for the public on city streets or at a event. “We give the people an opportunity to get close to our cars, team and drivers – something they cannot do at a Grand Prix weekend”, added Briatore.
“Now into his 11th season in Formula 1 and third season with Renault, Italian born Giancarlo Fisichella will spearhead the roadshow and combines the wisdom of experience with impressive driving skills.
Considered a future star by the F1 media, hotshot GP2 driver and former driver for the Brazilian A1 team, Nelson Piquet Jr, has also been confirmed to make the trip to Johannesburg. Piquet’s father, Nelson Piquet Sr, was a triple World Champion, winning the world title in 1981; 1983 and 1987.
The 2,4-litre V8 engine that powers the ING Renault F1 Roadshow Team car, was produced by Renault to meet new technical regulations in F1. Although the 3,0-litreV10 unit used in 2005 was more powerful, the 90° V8 unit used in the Roadshow car is still capable of a tarmac ripping 578 kW at an unbelievable 20 500 r/min.
This is the first time that the international Roadshow will be seen outside of major cities in Europe and Asia. Dr Jean-Jacques le Goff, Managing Director of Renault South Africa, says that the programme is a key factor in strengthening Renault’s image, in both traditional markets and new countries into which Renault hopes to expand.
Marking Renault’s 30th year in F1, the programme offers passionate fans and spectators the opportunity to enjoy a spectacular show combining technology and skill. Now in its fourth season the goal of the programme remains unchanged – to take the very core of Formula 1 action to motorsport enthusiasts.
“For many local sporting fans, it presents the opportunity of a lifetime and on behalf of Renault South Africa, I would like to invite the public to attend,” adds Dr le Goff
The show is completely free of charge and open to all.