F1 To Fire up Birmingham

The 2014 FIA Formula One World Championship may still be almost 100 days away, but Autosport International is set to bring the pinnacle of motorsport to fans at Birmingham’s NEC in January.

On 9-12 January, two months before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix and almost six months before the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Europe’s biggest motorsport show will host contemporary and classic F1 cars, supported by personalities from the sport.

Led by the championship-winning Red Bull Racing, every team will be represented on the F1 Racing grid, in a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the motorsport masterpieces. The popular feature will also include the iconic Ferrari and fellow 2013 race-winning teams Mercedes and Lotus.

In the 5,000-seat Live Action Arena, the UK’s largest indoor racetrack, popular Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft, better known as ‘Crofty’, will host proceedings which will include the legendary Lotus 79 and Lotus 49B F1 cars.

Joining the action-packed shows Crofty will share with motorsport fans, and appearing in association with Classic Team Lotus, the Lotus 79 and 49B were raced by the likes of Formula One World Champions Mario Andretti, Emerson Fittipaldi and Graham Hill. The models won 18 F1 GPs between them, leading to three Constructors’ World Championships.

“I’ve really enjoyed attending Autosport International in recent years, and always taken the opportunity to check out what’s happening in the Live Action Arena,” said David Croft. “I’m excited about hosting the shows in January, especially with the presence of the Lotus 79 and 49B as revered cars from the history of Formula One.”

The Live Action Arena is a major Autosport International attraction, with fans witnessing live racing, exhilarating stunts and precision driving.

Crofty will be joined at the show by his Sky Sports broadcast partner, ex-F1 racer Martin Brundle, reviewing the 2013 season and looking ahead to 2014’s new technical regulations. With more stars to be announced, 1964 Formula One World Champion John Surtees headlines the guest list, while German ace Adrian Sutil will appear on Sunday 12 January following his 2013 campaign with Force India.

“There’s nothing quite like the detail of a Formula One car, and the F1 Racing display will give fans a rare opportunity to take a close look at cars from every team,” said Ian France, Autosport International Director.

“The Live Action Arena is always a popular part of the show, and the opportunity to see, hear and feel Classic Team Lotus’ iconic Formula One cars indoors is set to be unmissable, presented by David Croft, a critically acclaimed commentator.”

Alongside Formula One, Autosport International will showcase every level of motorsport, including rallying, touring car racing and historic competition, along with a variety of interactive elements, including the Caterham Driving Experience and arrive-and-drive karting sessions.

Under the same roof, the Performance Car Show in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com will feature the best road-going supercars, with Autocar to present a live demonstration of its Best Driver’s Cars in the Live Action Arena.

Adult tickets available from £31 and children’s tickets priced at £20. For more information about the show, visit www.autosportinternational.com.