A once in a lifetime chance to drive a real Formula One racing car!

Getting behind the wheel of a genuine Formula 1 racing car was until recently the preserve of the professionals. But now you too can be a Lewis Hamilton for the day as you get to drive a genuine ex-Grand Prix Formula One racing car!

Have you ever driven an F1 sports car? Or are you planning to do so in the near future? If so we would love to hear all about your experiences (perhaps with a photo or two). You can contact us via our contact page.

 

There are a couple of opportunities to drive an F1 car in the UK.

The first experience, The Formula One Experience and Overnight Stay, takes place in Leicestershire and includes an overnight stay for the driver and his or her partner. So a fantastic gift for someone special - because you get to go along too!

At the hotel you will be treated to a special four course Formula One dinner for two which includes a welcome from members of the F1 team and a briefing about the following day’s activities.

Day Two starts early with breakfast and transfer to the racetrack. Once there you'll be briefed again and then let loose in a series of classic cars to get you used to the track.

First up comes familiarisation laps in a BMW Alpina D3 and then you'll do five laps in either a Porsche or a Ferrari followed by seven laps in a Caterham Super 7 and ten laps in a Vauxhall Lotus single seater.

Then the big one! Eight laps in a genuine Formula 1 racing car!

If that wasn't enough you'll finish the day with a high speed passenger ride in a sports car followed by a debriefing and presentation.

The Formula One Experience and Overnight Stay costs £1,899.

Slightly less expensive at £1,499 is a similar Formula 1 Racing Experience Day that takes place at a choice of two venues - Three Sisters in Lancashire and Rockingham, Northamptonshire. And again the price includes an overnight stay and dinner for the driver and a guest, but you do need to have held a valid driving licence for at least three years as opposed to one for the previous experience.

After a classroom briefing covering all safety aspects and driving techniques, you will do some demonstration laps in a sports saloon with a professional racing instructor at the wheel.

Then come ten assessed practice laps with you driving a sports saloon car and then it's into the racing cars!

First up ten laps driving a race prepared single seater Formula RS 7 and then further laps driving a single seater Formula RS unpaced.

A hot buffet lunch is followed by the afternoon activities, starting with with ten laps in a Formula 3 single seater and then the ultimate - ten laps in an ex-Grand Prix Formula One racing car!

The day finishes with a certificate and memorabilia presentation together with afternoon tea.

Although you don't get to drive a Formula 1 car in this final offering, we think the Silverstone Challenge is worth a mention because you get to drive around the actual Silverstone track!

Start with the supercars and put the Porsche 997 and Ferrari 360 through their paces, before moving onto the feisty Fiesta ST rally car. Next it’s all about power and performance in the Lotus Exige.

Then comes the single seater shootout, before you throw a Land Rover and a quad bike about on an off-road course.

Next learn the art of the power slide in a Caterham 7 and a Peugeot 206 Rally Cup Car, before ending your day with a once in a lifetime lap on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit!

On purchasing any of the above racing car experioences you will be issued with a voucher valid for ten months. You are strongly advised to book as early as possible because availability is very limited.

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