The 20 kmph speed limit along this 650-metre stretch along Tank Bund will bear no meaning on Sunday. For, blazing away at nearly fifteen times that speed will be none other than former Formula 1 star racer David Coulthard.
In a Red Bull Formula 1 car, the Scotsman said he hopes to clock a top speed of 180 miles an hour (or 290 kmph) on the Tank Bund road.
“The road looks fine, but there might be bumpy surprises to watch out for,” Coulthard said at a pre-event meet held on Saturday.
In a lighter vein, he compared the difficulty levels of driving in India and on a Formula 1 track. “It is unbelievably tough driving in India when compared to a Formula 1 race track. It requires a special technique to drive here.”
Was it the man, or the machine, that held importance on the F1 track?
It was the machine, said Coulthard. The car is the most important aspect, while the driver is only the finishing touch, he said, citing a few examples.
He also shared a few interesting tidbits from his racing days as well as facts pertaining to the sport.
“When I was an F1 driver in 1994, there were only three buttons on the steering wheel. Now there are about 30 buttons as technology in the sport has changed a lot,” he said, adding, “There is a button for drinks, but I never used it because it might add up one more kilogram of weight.”
He reminisced his competition with Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen and felt they were “exceptional drivers”.
Talking about the toughest tracks to drive on, Coulthard has this to say. “Malaysia is tough to drive because of its humidity and Monaco since it has lot of turns.”
Much to the excitement of racing enthusiasts, Coulthard participated in the firing-up of the F1 engine that is slated to be a part of Sunday’s event.
Nag to flag off
The event will be flagged off by actor Akkineni Nagarjuna. The gates will be opened to the public by 9 a.m. and three entrances have been earmarked exclusively for the programme, which will also see some stunt bikers in action.
Traffic curbs
The city traffic police have imposed restrictions on vehicular movement at Upper Tank Bund on Sunday in view of the ‘Redbull F1 Car Show’, between 5 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Traffic will not be allowed on the Upper Tank Bund from Children’s Park, DBR Mills, Iqbal Minar, V.V. statue and GHMC office. Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes, a press release said.
It is unbelievably tough driving in India when compared to a Formula 1 race track. It requires a special technique to drive here
David Coulthard
Former F1 driver
