Want a ride with Minardi?

It has often been stated that the overriding aim of the Minardi F1x2 programme is to make Formula One more accessible to fans of the sport. Now, for the first time, Paul Stoddart’s two-seater team is taking the ultimate step, and offering members of the general public the opportunity to experience Formula One performance from the passenger seat of one of its fleet of eight F1x2 cars.

Previously, it has been mainly participants in corporate programmes who have experienced what many have described as “the ride of a lifetime”. On August 23 and 24, all of that will change, however, as members of the general public* will be able to take a one, two or three-lap ride around the challenging, 3.975-km Hungaroring circuit, near Budapest. Adding to the excitement of the occasion, the high-speed “chauffeurs” for the event will be former Minardi F1 Team drivers, Zsolt Baumgartner and Patrick Friesacher, as well as official Minardi tester, Chanoch Nissany, and team owner, Paul Stoddart.

Prices for passenger rides do not fall into the “inexpensive” category, as they have to cover a portion of event costs, as well as nominal charges for such essentials as operating staff, tyres, fuel and engine mileage. Prices are on an “arrive-and-ride” basis, although plans for a travel package, including overnight stay in Budapest, are currently being evaluated, with further details to be announced in due course.

Specifically, a one-lap passenger ride is priced at 2,000 Euros, two-laps at 3,500 Euros, and the ultimate, three-lap ride, at 4,500 Euros. Beyond this, passenger programmes can be personalised to individual requirements, although this will be reflected in the cost. In order to ensure all customers receive the level of individual attention required by the Minardi F1x2 Team, the maximum number of passengers will be restricted to 50 per day, with places allocated on a first come-first served basis.

“Over the six years the F1x2 programme has been in operation, the team has received a huge number of enquiries from individuals wanting passenger rides,” observes Paul Stoddart. “It’s taken awhile to organise, as our primary focus has been on corporate events, but we have decided the time is now right to provide rides to individuals, as this represents the ultimate expression of our philosophy of trying to bring Formula One closer to the fans. We’re very excited by the prospect, and if previous public interest in two-seater passenger rides is anything to go by, we are going to have a sell-out event on our hands.”