Just Back from Driving 1200bhp/ton F1 Car in France
07 July 2006, 08:49 PM
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Just Back from Driving 1200bhp/ton F1 Car in France
I have just returned from my “life’s ambition”: Driving a full spec Formula 1 car in France.
Based in Monaco at Coulthard’s Columbus hotel and a 70 mile drive to the circuit du Var in Luc near St Tropez, I got a full morning’s training in Formula 3 (15 laps ) which produce “only” 400 BHP/ton before being let loose in a 2002 spec Cosworth DFR engined semi automatic F1 car with a more reasonable 1200BHP/ton !!! You only needed to use the extremely difficult clutch to get going and then just use paddle shifts (which I have been getting used to in my RS6). Car also had carbon brakes!
I have attached some photos of the day (First ones are of F3) I got the F1 car into 6th on the final straight on my best lap and so was probably up at 165-170 mph I guess.
The sheer violence of the F1 car was expected but still a shock to the system and although I really enjoyed it, the highlight was a final 2 laps in the 2 seater F1 car with the chief instructor (ex F1 driver in 70’s) piloting. I will NOT be giving up the day job as I was shown the real difference in cornering ability (which is like being on Nemesis) combined with 4.5g braking. The acceleration was also reasonable with them timing the cars from 0-125mph in just under 5 seconds!
All in all probably the most exciting experience of my life! Recommend it to anyone with a spare £3K.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...202006/F3b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...202006/F3c.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...6/DSCN0219.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...6/DSCN0220.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...202006/F1c.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...202006/F1b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...202006/F1e.jpg
Based in Monaco at Coulthard’s Columbus hotel and a 70 mile drive to the circuit du Var in Luc near St Tropez, I got a full morning’s training in Formula 3 (15 laps ) which produce “only” 400 BHP/ton before being let loose in a 2002 spec Cosworth DFR engined semi automatic F1 car with a more reasonable 1200BHP/ton !!! You only needed to use the extremely difficult clutch to get going and then just use paddle shifts (which I have been getting used to in my RS6). Car also had carbon brakes!
I have attached some photos of the day (First ones are of F3) I got the F1 car into 6th on the final straight on my best lap and so was probably up at 165-170 mph I guess.
The sheer violence of the F1 car was expected but still a shock to the system and although I really enjoyed it, the highlight was a final 2 laps in the 2 seater F1 car with the chief instructor (ex F1 driver in 70’s) piloting. I will NOT be giving up the day job as I was shown the real difference in cornering ability (which is like being on Nemesis) combined with 4.5g braking. The acceleration was also reasonable with them timing the cars from 0-125mph in just under 5 seconds!
All in all probably the most exciting experience of my life! Recommend it to anyone with a spare £3K.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...202006/F3b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...202006/F3c.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...6/DSCN0219.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...6/DSCN0220.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...202006/F1c.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...202006/F1b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...202006/F1e.jpg
07 July 2006, 09:02 PM
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Twice? thats a lot of cash!
One of my ambitions too, perhaps next decade
One of my ambitions too, perhaps next decade
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07 July 2006, 10:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Ootheca
wicked experience but you spunked 3k on one days driving???!!! 
Next target is a Red 355 Spider in December as a toy for nice days when some funds mature and then I will save up for a ride in a Mig 29 near Moscow. Half an hour £6K.
I am not one to save for a rainy day!!
07 July 2006, 10:19 PM
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Originally Posted by DaveMiddleton
Yes: I have been to over 40 Grand prix all over the planet and ALWAYS said I would do this regardless of cost. I will never do it again.It was a one off.
Next target is a Red 355 Spider in December as a toy for nice days when some funds mature and then I will save up for a ride in a Mig 29 near Moscow. Half an hour £6K.
I am not one to save for a rainy day!!
Next target is a Red 355 Spider in December as a toy for nice days when some funds mature and then I will save up for a ride in a Mig 29 near Moscow. Half an hour £6K.
I am not one to save for a rainy day!!
Life is not a rehersal - and we're only here once, if you can afford it f**k it,
i cant fault you
07 July 2006, 10:21 PM
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Originally Posted by DaveMiddleton
Yes: I have been to over 40 Grand prix all over the planet and ALWAYS said I would do this regardless of cost. I will never do it again.It was a one off.
Next target is a Red 355 Spider in December as a toy for nice days when some funds mature and then I will save up for a ride in a Mig 29 near Moscow. Half an hour £6K.
I am not one to save for a rainy day!!
Next target is a Red 355 Spider in December as a toy for nice days when some funds mature and then I will save up for a ride in a Mig 29 near Moscow. Half an hour £6K.
I am not one to save for a rainy day!!
07 July 2006, 10:30 PM
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lol! Your head looks too big your blocking the air duct behind you. Couldn't you have stuck your head down by the steering wheel?
Own up though, you followed through with the instructor ride?
Own up though, you followed through with the instructor ride?
07 July 2006, 10:31 PM
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Hey Dave, I think you can launch SAMs to luminous gliders in the US, could be another potential downpour avoider!
08 July 2006, 12:11 PM
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An F1 drive has been on my wish list for a long time. Too long. And now my old bones are too bu99ered to do it 
One of the lessons I've learned in life is, if you can do it, do it NOW. Some opportunities just don't come around twice, and then you won't turn in to a grumpy old git like me
Richard.
One of the lessons I've learned in life is, if you can do it, do it NOW. Some opportunities just don't come around twice, and then you won't turn in to a grumpy old git like me
Richard.
08 July 2006, 09:14 PM
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Superb, I'd love to do that but I'm not really into F1 enough to justify it. The Mig idea has been in my head for years though, as I've always been into jets since I was at school - maybe one day. 
08 July 2006, 10:24 PM
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Originally Posted by jowl
If I had a spare 3k, I'd do it - looks a fantastic Experience
And the Mig 29 sounds great too - although i'd prefer an Su-27...fancy a dogfight?
And the Mig 29 sounds great too - although i'd prefer an Su-27...fancy a dogfight?
However , even more expensive than the MiG at £8K!! see link.
http://www.flymig.com/packages/
09 July 2006, 12:21 PM
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Originally Posted by DaveMiddleton
I saw SU 27's at Leuchars a few years back and they were something else!!
However , even more expensive than the MiG at £8K!! see link.
http://www.flymig.com/packages/
However , even more expensive than the MiG at £8K!! see link.
http://www.flymig.com/packages/
.....or...
Group buy anybody ?
09 July 2006, 02:57 PM
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Originally Posted by jowl
Awesome. Something I would really like to do but is way out of my league right now. Who knows though, maybe one day!
.....or...
Group buy anybody ?
.....or...
Group buy anybody ?
well done fella
live it now life is to short
09 July 2006, 08:19 PM
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Originally Posted by DaveMiddleton
Yes: I have been to over 40 Grand prix all over the planet and ALWAYS said I would do this regardless of cost. I will never do it again.It was a one off.
Next target is a Red 355 Spider in December as a toy for nice days when some funds mature and then I will save up for a ride in a Mig 29 near Moscow. Half an hour £6K.
I am not one to save for a rainy day!!
Next target is a Red 355 Spider in December as a toy for nice days when some funds mature and then I will save up for a ride in a Mig 29 near Moscow. Half an hour £6K.
I am not one to save for a rainy day!!
Chip
09 July 2006, 10:44 PM
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Originally Posted by DaveMiddleton
Yes: I have been to over 40 Grand prix all over the planet and ALWAYS said I would do this regardless of cost. I will never do it again.It was a one off.
Next target is a Red 355 Spider in December as a toy for nice days when some funds mature and then I will save up for a ride in a Mig 29 near Moscow. Half an hour £6K.
I am not one to save for a rainy day!!
Next target is a Red 355 Spider in December as a toy for nice days when some funds mature and then I will save up for a ride in a Mig 29 near Moscow. Half an hour £6K.
I am not one to save for a rainy day!!
The F1 things not my cup of char personally, I'd go for a backie from Randi Mamola on that 2 seater desmo Duke, but if you enjoyed it that's what counts
It's better than growing old, dying, & leaving it for the kids to p!ss awayThe Mig 29 however, now you're talking
That's my idea of a good way to blow some cash Always fancied having a ride in one of them 2 seater Lightnings that fly out of Cape Town toohttp://www.thundercity.com/tc_main.htm
Last edited by CrisPDuk; 09 July 2006 at 10:47 PM.
10 July 2006, 12:37 PM
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Originally Posted by DaveMiddleton
Yes: I have been to over 40 Grand prix all over the planet and ALWAYS said I would do this regardless of cost. I will never do it again.It was a one off.
Next target is a Red 355 Spider in December as a toy for nice days when some funds mature and then I will save up for a ride in a Mig 29 near Moscow. Half an hour £6K.
I am not one to save for a rainy day!!
Next target is a Red 355 Spider in December as a toy for nice days when some funds mature and then I will save up for a ride in a Mig 29 near Moscow. Half an hour £6K.
I am not one to save for a rainy day!!
Good Lad!
I would if could and I admire your spirit sir!