July 24, 2007
By Tabisa Mntengwana
FASTEN your seat belts – F1 roars into town this weekend.
The ING Renault F1 Team road show returns to the streets of Sandton for its fourth season of city-centre motor racing demonstrations. Renault is bringing in two team cars, driven by seasoned driver Giancarlo Fisichella and newly appointed test driver Nelson Piquet Junior.
The event, according to the general manager of Johannesburg Tourism
Company's convention bureau, Spencer Pillai, "will enhance Johannesburg's status as a prime business and leisure tourism destination in South Africa".
"It is significant that Johannesburg has been chosen not only to be the first city in Africa to stage the road show but also the first city outside Eurasia," says Pillai.
The road show was launched in 2003 and has been seen by 1.5 million people in cities in Europe, Russia and Japan.
Action starts on Fredman Drive, Sandton, on 29 July. Several roads will be closed, including sections of West Street between Rivonia Road and Fredman Drive, Fredman Drive between West Street and Rivonia Road and two lanes of Rivonia Road.
Sandton residents are warned that the roads will be closed from 8pm on Friday, 27 July until 6am on Monday, 30 July. "Motorists are cautioned to use alternative routes and to allow extra travel time during this period," according to a press release.
As part of the build up to the big day, the sleek racers are on show at the Nelson Mandela Square from Friday, 27 July. Motoring enthusiasts will get the opportunity to view the technical set-up of a Formula 1 paddock area, complete with two ING Renault F1 team vehicles and the technical crew at the Renault Expo Village and Paddock.
A range of Renault vehicles will also be on display, which including the new Mègane Renault sport R26, the Mègane trophy and two Clio toys.
The expo village is also home to Supersport, 5FM, Star Motoring, Bridgestone stand and Renault F1 boutique.
Race day
But, Sunday is the big day for race fans. "For the majority of South African motor sport enthusiasts, Sunday 29 July offers a once in a lifetime opportunity and is an experience not to be missed," says Claudio Camera, vice president of communications and corporate affairs at Renault South Africa.
Pillai adds: "The Johannesburg Tourism Company is delighted that the City is playing host to this event and we are pulling out all the stops to partner Renault South Africa in making sure that we will have a well organised and successful road show."
Park and ride facilities are available on Sunday from Inanda Club, Sandown High School, Wanderers Club and Innesfree Park. Metro buses will be available from 8am.
Sunday's activities kick off at 10am with the 20-lap Cycle Lab Sprint Challenge. Other activities planned for the day include a street parade, drummers, acrobats, rickshaws and motor racing demonstrations.
"We promise a fun-filled day for the family with fantastic entertainment and a non-stop action Iine-up," says Camera.
The excitement of the Renault F1 car, driven by Giancarlo Fisichella and Nelson Piquet Junior, 29 July, in the streets of Sandton
(Photo collage: Renault Roadshow)
Children are also catered for, with Renault F1 styled peddle-cars to try out.
The Formula 1 grand finale is set for 4pm.
"At no charge, the public will have the opportunity to get close to our cars, team and drivers – something they cannot do at an international Grand Prix weekend," says Camera.
Emergency personnel and traffic authorities will be on hand, too.
"Be sure to get there early and secure prime vantage points in Fredman Drive or West Street," Camera urges.
For more information, including the detailed programme, visit www.renault-roadshow.co.za.
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