World's first 3-seater F1 car takes to the track.

The OrangeArrows AX3, revealed to the world at the Autosport International Show earlier this year has made its track debut.

The eagerly-awaited OrangeArrows AX3 is the first of its kind. It is the only three-seater Formula One car in the world! The aim of the OrangeArrows AX3 is to provide a better opportunity for people to experience more real simulation of the g-forces, acceleration, deceleration and speed that F1 drivers go through for over one and a half hours at every Grand Prix.

The unique seating positions provide passengers with an uncompromised view of the track ahead of them and a much better physical and visual feel for F1 as they are right there in the air-flow.

"The OrangeArrows AX3 has been designed to give a truer experience than ever before of what an F1 driver sees and feels from the cockpit", said OrangeArrows Team Principal, Tom Walkinshaw. "A lot has been written about acceleration, g-forces and braking capabilities of these racing cars, but now we are furthering the opportunity to give people an appreciation of what it is really like".

Orange and Arrows see the OrangeArrows AX3 as yet another successful partnership. "Orange does things differently", commented Denise Lewis, Group Director, Corporate Affairs at Orange. "As title sponsor and official communications supplier to the OrangeArrows team, we are delighted to be able to bring F1 fans a real racing experience. The OrangeArrows AX3 programme combines leading-edge technology and innovation in a meaningful package and is the perfect way for Orange to demonstrate its commitment to Formula One."

Thursday 30th August, Silverstone:

The OrangeArrows AX3 made its first official outing on the track at Silverstone on 30th August. In the hands of OrangeArrows Test Driver and former British Grand Prix winner, Johnny Herbert, it provided the thrill of a lifetime for its first passengers who included media and members of the public.

The man at the wheel of the OrangeArrows AX3 on 30th August, triple Grand Prix winner, Johnny Herbert, describes the experience from the driver's seat... "This really is the closest you can get to the real thing. I've been doing speeds of up to 300kph today and the passengers have loved every minute of it. I'm presuming it was screams of pleasure and not terror I was hearing! I've enjoyed it too as it feels very similar to driving the one-seater!"

"The biggest ever adrenalin rush!"... "You really can see everything - the track ahead of you, what the driver is doing and the fear in the eyes of the guy next to you!"... "I was pretty apprehensive before I got in but I'm glad I did - that was just too much fun!"... "An experience I'll never forget"... "far superior to the two seaters!". These are just some of the comments from the OrangeArrows AX3's first passengers.

Saturday 8th September, Zandvoort:

The second outing took place yesterday (8th September) a little further afield at Zandvoort in Holland. The OrangeArrows team were at Zandvoort to showcase the OrangeArrows AX3, the A22 and of course Dutch hero, Jos Verstappen.

The highlight of the day was when Jos Verstappen and Enrique Bernoldi became back seat passengers for once as former Arrows test driver and Sportscar ace, Stephen Watson, took them for a ride in the OrangeArrows AX3. "That was a very strange experience", commented Jos Verstappen, "it is pretty unnerving to be in a Formula One car and not have to do anything! I must say that the g-forces you get in the back are pretty close to the real thing." Team-mate, Enrique Bernoldi, also enjoyed his ride. "That was a lot of fun. You get the F1 experience without having to do any of the hard work. Incredible!"

Alongside the running of the OrangeArrows AX3, guests were treated to high speed roadcar rides with Jos Verstappen before he took to the wheel of the A22 to show the crowd what he could do in an F1 car. A final flurry of donuts from Jos, in front of a delighted crowd, signaled the end of the day's running.