Zoom Hamilton behind the wheel of the MP4-23

Mercedes are laying on something of a treat for race fans the Sunday after the F1 finale in Abu Dhabi. The sport is sometimes criticised for making it hard for fans to get close to the stars that dominate the sport, but on Sunday, November 8 the German car-maker is throwing open the doors to the general public on a free day to celebrate another year of motorsport action.

Mercedes-Benz World is located at the historic Brooklands circuit in Surrey where outgoing champion Lewis Hamilton will be joined by a huge line up of F1 stars including current team-mate Heikki Kovalainen as well as Mika Hakkinen and test driver, Pedro de la Rosa.

BBC pundit’s David Coulthard and Anthony Davidson will also be on hand to liven up proceedings. Brawn GP team principal Ross Brawn is also billed to attend along with a host of Mercedes DTM and F3 drivers showcasing the marques other racing formula.

Hamilton is scheduled to perform in his championship winning MP4-23, while British DTM drivers Susie Stoddart, Jamie Green, Paul Di Resta and Gary Paffett will drive their AMG Mercedes C-Classes. Formula 3 Euro Series hotshot Sam Bird will also demonstrate his Mercedes-powered Dallara.

“After a thrilling racing season this year, we want to say a big thank you to our loyal customers and fans - and a free Grand Prix event is the perfect way to do that," explained Mercedes UK CEO Wilfried Steffen. "We look forward to providing our customers, our fans and their families’ free entry to the historic Brooklands circuit.”

Click here for free entry and details from Mercedes.

Earl ALEXANDER
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