GPLive: Donington return for Minardi F1x2 racers.

Minardi's two-seat grand prix cars will return to Donington Park in 2007, as a part of the ever-expanding programme of events at GPlive on 18-20 May.

Paul Stoddart's unique fleet of eight Formula One two-seaters last raced at the track in 2001 and 2002, at Minardi's own 'Thunder in the Park' events.
Since then they have raced at tracks around the world, but the GPlive event marks their return to one of Stoddart's favourite tracks.

"We are very pleased to support GPlive," said Stoddart. "I genuinely believe GPlive is an inspired concept, and like many great ideas, you are left wondering why someone hasn't thought of it already."

Stoddart first became involved with racing just ten years ago, when he began to race a Tyrrell in historic events. He then bought the assets of the Tyrrell team (but not their places on the F1 starting grid) at the end of 1998, before taking his place on the grid with the Minardi team for the 2001 season.

"One of the key objectives for the F1x2 Team from its inception, and for the Minardi F1 Team while I was the owner, was to try to make Formula One more accessible to the fans. As that is also a stated aim of GPlive, there is very much a unity of purpose about what we are trying to achieve, and we feel it makes good sense to combine our efforts."

The Minardi F1X2 two-seat Formula One cars are identical in almost every respect to a modern Grand Prix car, with a cockpit area extended by 380mm (14.9 in) to accommodate an extra occupant. They are powered by 700bhp-plus 3-litre V10 engines fitted to the contemporary Minardi F1 racers, mated to a six-speed, semi-automatic transmission. Completing the basic specification, the two-seaters feature F1-specification, pushrod-activated suspension, carbon brakes and grooved slick tyres, plus full chassis and engine telemetry. The cars also have the facility to carry on-board cameras.

For those with a desire to experience Formula One performance first hand, there will even be a few places available at GPlive, for prospective passengers to purchase a one, two or three-lap ride around the challenging Donington Park circuit.

"This is what GPlive is all about," added Richard Morgan, the initiator of GPlive. "The event will give unprecedented access to the fastest cars and the greatest stars in a high octane celebration, featuring what will probably be the largest gathering of former Grand Prix cars and stars in the world. Over its three days, the GPlive event will combine races and on track demonstrations from historic cars and drivers who remain motor sport legends."