Pit Lane Park season starts in Istanbul

The BMW Sauber F1 Team achieved three podium finishes and one pole position in the first races of the FIA Formula One World Championship. Starting with the Turkish Grand Prix, the team from Munich and Hinwil is also setting up a course away from the track: the BMW Sauber F1 Team Pit Lane Park starts its third season at the Turkish Grand Prix in Istanbul from 9th to 11th May.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen says: "Before the existence of the Pit Lane Park, fans had to be satisfied with watching the cars in action from the stands. 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."

In 2007, about 300,000 visitors took the opportunity to experience the fascination of motorsport's elite class at close hand. Whether in Kuala Lumpur, Rome, Warsaw or Shanghai, wherever the BMW Sauber F1 Team Pit Lane Park stops it is greeted by excited fans.

Numerous new themed garages await the fans of the BMW Sauber F1 Team and all motorsport enthusiasts. In addition, the architecture of the park will have a new look, with two levels offering visitors more space to experience Formula One close up. In 2008, they will gain many new insights into the world of racing, and can literally reach out and touch this fascinating sport. "Get closer" is the motto.

"Whether it is with the engine, brake discs or tyres, visitors have endless opportunities to experiment in the Pit Lane Park," confirms 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. However, this is not the only reason that I am a personal fan of the Pit Lane Park. Every week there are millions of people crossing their fingers for us in the Formula One World Championship. I think it is excellent that BMW can give something back."

The BMW Sauber F1 Team Pit Lane Park will be situated at "Bostanci Otopark" in Istanbul.

Public opening times of the Pit Lane Park:
Friday, 9th May - 10:00 to 22:00hrs
Saturday, 10th May - 10:00 to 22:00hrs Sunday, 11th May - 10:00 to 18:00hrs