BMW Sauber’s Pit Lane Park season to start in Istanbul 05 May 2008
With a pole position and three podium finishes under their belt, BMW Sauber’s 2008 season has got off to a flying start. And to celebrate the German-Swiss squad plan to give their Pit Lane Park its first outing of the season at the forthcoming Turkish Grand Prix.
The popular attraction, which boasts replica garages and a 90-metre track, has been given a facelift for 2008. As well as newly themed garages, a second level has been added to allow even more fans to experience the world of Formula One racing at firsthand.
“Before the existence of the Pit Lane Park, fans had to be satisfied with watching the cars in action from the stands,” explained Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport director. “The Pit Lane Park has finally made Formula One more accessible again.
“Here, the visitors can touch the high-tech components with their own hands, gain an insight into the work of the engineers and experience how the engine is started before the car performs on the track. Nowhere else can a Formula One fan get this close to the action.”
Throughout 2007, the Pit Lane Park travelled around the world, making appearances in Kuala Lumpur, Barcelona, Rome, Silverstone, Warsaw and Las Vegas and over the course of the year, approximately 300,000 fans are believed to have visited.
“Whether it is with the engine, brake discs or tyres, visitors have endless opportunities to experiment in the Pit Lane Park,” added driver Nick Heidfeld. "The track is, of course, at the centre of the facility. When we drive here, the spectators are far closer to the action than at street circuits like Monaco, Valencia and Singapore.”
The attraction will open its doors for the first time at Istanbul’s Bostanci Otopark on Friday May 9 at 1000 hours local time.
