Red Bull Racing, and most other F1 teams, do public promotion events all over the globe. The idea is simple, take a Formula One car out of its natural habitat, the racetrack, and bring F1 to the people.
It’s about promotion mostly, but it’s also about breaking away from the shackles of everyday life. Most of all, it’s about having fun. At least it should be. People like watching cars go fast and they like watching these highly skilled drivers burn a bit of rubber. Yes, it’s pretty pointless when you think about it, but it’s great to watch.
Last year, Webber controversially declared Victoria a “nanny state” and yesterday proved why. Is it that hard to put a smile on someone’s face? Webber played his part beautifully yesterday when he interacted with the fans that did turn up. But, the Victorian Government bottled it, and in a big way. Honestly, is there a lot to get excited about when an F1 car is harnessed by red tape to a measly 100km/h?
Just look at what the Germans allowed Sebastian Vettel to do in front of the Brandenburg Gates. In Melbourne, you get to pay your road toll and drive an F1 car as if it were a Toyota Camry.
The Western Australians didn’t object to a few donuts at last year’s Festival of Speed at Barbagallo Raceway. Fair enough, that’s on a purpose built circuit you might argue, but even the NSW Government let Mark crack 200km/h crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
After the break you’ll see some video highlights of what the Victorian Government should have let Mark do. What do you think, did the Vics get it right, or waste a golden opportunity?
