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

 

Awesome. You even got a "Brolly Dolly"

 

£3k but heh id do it

 

Twice? thats a lot of cash!

One of my ambitions too, perhaps next decade

 

Is that St.laurent du Var..

 

No! It was Circuit du Var in Le Luc en Provence. About 15 miles from St Tropez.

 

wicked experience but you spunked 3k on one days driving???!!!

 

well it sounds like agood day out- is lunch included...

 

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!!

 

Well done

 

Life is not a rehersal - and we're only here once, if you can afford it f**k it,
i cant fault you

 

goodman

 

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?

 

Hey Dave, I think you can launch SAMs to luminous gliders in the US, could be another potential downpour avoider!

 

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.

 

What a great experience, how I would love to do that but out of my class financially unfortunately.

Les

 

Fair play to you, live the dream.

chop

 

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?

 

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.

 

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/

 

Your post must have been pretty influential, I dreamed I was doing the same thing as you last night.

Les

 

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 ?

 

well done fella
live it now life is to short

 

Nice one

Chip

 

Do they take Limbs in payment?

I'd offer my kidneys or liver, but they're both a bit knackered

Looks awesome!

 

Bollox!

I just spunked twice that much away on my garden makeover

 

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 away

The 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 too

http://www.thundercity.com/tc_main.htm

 

Well done mate, live life to the max

 

A trip in a Lightning is never to be forgotten CrispDuk.

Les

 

Good Lad!


I would if could and I admire your spirit sir!