Skip advert
Advertisement

London grand prix could become a reality

Consultation held over the next few weeks could open up London’s roads for Formula One racing.

London Grand Prix

Jenson Button’s dream of a Formula One grand prix on London’s streets could come true. That’s if the idea passes a six-week Government consultation being held in the next few days.

The McLaren F1 driver, alongside former teammate Lewis Hamilton, strongly backed the campaign when it was proposed in 2012. Button said: "When I first saw the plans for a London Grand Prix I knew they were ambitious, but fantastic.”

Advertisement - Article continues below

• Graham Hill's Lotus F1 car to make £1m at auction

Back then F1 sponsors, Santander, revealed a CGI video showing what a race around the capital’s roads would look like and famous landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Trafalgar Square were included. The video can be viewed below…

“The thought of a race through the capital's streets was only a dream when they initiated the project, but this week's changes to the law bring the idea a step closer to reality,” said Button.

"When you really picture what it would look like it's truly mind blowing. You could create such a unique grand prix through the streets of London – the roads are naturally very wide and long, so straight-line speeds would be high, and you could create a real blend of corners.”

A Government consultation on closing public roads for motorsport events will run until April 10. Open stage rallies, sprints and hill climbs restricted to certain British Roads are the main considerations, but it could also make F1 racing in London a reality.

The MSA acting chief executive, Rob Jones, said: "This is the news British motor sport has been waiting for. It represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change the landscape of our sport, allowing local communities across the country to host motor sport events and enjoy all the excitement and economic benefit they bring.”

"The government's enthusiasm for closed-road motor sport, and its launch of a public consultation, is the culmination of years of hard work behind the scenes.”

"We now have to demonstrate the support that exists for closed-road motor sport around the country."

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

F1 preview 2024: the longest ever Formula One season awaits
F1 - header
Features

F1 preview 2024: the longest ever Formula One season awaits

Our guide to all the teams and drivers for the the 2024 Formula One World Championship season
28 Feb 2024
Lewis Hamilton joins Ferrari: F1 ace to swap Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025
Lewis Hamilton sitting next to a trophy
News

Lewis Hamilton joins Ferrari: F1 ace to swap Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025

It’s the end of an era in Formula One as Lewis Hamilton agrees to leave the Mercedes-AMG team at the end of the 2024 season
2 Feb 2024
'From Formula E to Goodwood Festival of Speed, July 2023 was full of car-related disappointments'
Opinion - July 2023
Opinion

'From Formula E to Goodwood Festival of Speed, July 2023 was full of car-related disappointments'

Mike Rutherford believes that the last month has provided a constant bombardment of motoring misfortunes
13 Aug 2023

Most Popular

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars will now pay £10 more per year, although the biggest gas guzzlers fare even worse
28 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Car Deal of the Day: classy Audi A4 Avant estate plus 8,000 miles per year for less than £300 a month
Audi A4 Avant driving on UK roads
News

Car Deal of the Day: classy Audi A4 Avant estate plus 8,000 miles per year for less than £300 a month

Our Deal of the Day for 27 March is for those who want a big trunk for all their junk
27 Mar 2024