Arrows fans could ride AX3.

In a unique move, Arrows' revolutionary track passenger car - the AX3 - could be made available to supporters of the Leafield team.

The radical three-seater car was launched to the public yesterday on the central stage at the annual Autosport International Show at the NEC in Birmingham, where Arrows' commercial director Huw Morgan intimated that fans of the orange-and-black squad may be able to win rides by joining a new supporters club to be set up in the next few weeks.

In addition to the unveiling, Arrows also announced the securing of an exclusive partnership with Silverstone Circuit to run the AX3 at the track on thirteen days during 2001. The first passenger rides are pencilled in for 21 May, but the AX3 may, however, take to the track at other circuits within the UK and abroad before that date.

In an interview with John Hindhaugh, Morgan commented on the possibility of real fans getting the chance to experience life in a grand prix car. Until recently, only the elite few drivers and occasional celebrities have been able to experience the thrill and, during 2000, Arrows was one of only two teams able to make this dream a reality, by offering the opportunity to sample its Arrows two-seater.

"The objective behind AX3 is to provide a better opportunity for people to experience an increased and more real simulation of the g-forces, acceleration, deceleration and speed that F1 drivers go through for one and a half hours at every grand prix," Morgan said.

Inspired by the vision of Arrows team owner, Tom Walkinshaw, this revolutionary Arrows custom-built passenger car has been designed to carry two passengers, sitting just behind and to each side of the driver. The designers have focused on delivering increased visibility from previous passenger two-seater cars. Passengers can now experience a totally uncompromised and real driver's view of what Formula One is all about, while maintaining passenger and driver safety.

Created to give the ultimate passenger experience by riding pillion to an Arrows driver, AX3 has been designed based on Formula One technical regulations. In addition to innovation, safety is also of prime importance to the team and the car has been built with this as a key issue in mind. The carbon composite monocoque has been built to achieve maximum structural integrity with no compromise to either driver or passenger safety.

Plans for an Arrows supporters' club have been announced, and it is hoped that it will ready for launch prior to this year's Formula One season. The exact prices and benefits of membership are still to be finalised, but the star attraction for members will be the chance to be the lucky winner of a ride in the AX3.

Supporters will have an exclusive area within the orangearrows.com web-site which will feature extra team information, text chat with OrangeArrows personnel, special OrangeArrows games, and more. They will also be entitled to discounts on OrangeArrows merchandise from the web-site shop.

To register an interest in experiencing the exhilaration of being an AX3 passenger and for further information, please contact us by email on AX3@arrows.com or visit the OrangeArrows web-site.