Dates for 2008 Bavaria street event announced
17 August 2008
The new date had been a long awaited one until the official racing calendars were finally announced. Once again, the date falls in the Formula 1 holiday period, between the Hungarian and European Grand Prix. On Friday 15 and Saturday 16 August, just before the excitement breaks loose in Rotterdam’s centre, participants can be seen in action at the Ahoy events complex, Rotterdam, in the largest covered paddock in the world, the RaceSalon. “We are pleased that an official date has been announced so that we can make final arrangements with the Formula 1 teams and drivers", told organizer Robert Heilbron.
Route
The start and finish of the Bavaria City Racing route is the Willemsbrug Bridge. From the Willemsbrug Bridge, the drivers will continue along the Verlengde Willemsbrug and Blaak in the direction of Coolsingel before showing spectators what they are made of at Hofplein. A large part of the route will once again be accessible to the public free of charge during the coming edition. Tribunes will be placed along the Willemsbrug Bridge, Verlengde Willemsbrug and Coolsingel. Tickets for the event can be purchased via www.bavariacityracing.nl. Robert Heilbron: “Since Bavaria City Racing was made a long-term feature on the Rotterdam City events calendar last year, I’ve been really glad we can use the same route as we did in 2007. It’s a fantastic sight to see a Formula 1 racing car driving over the Willemsbrug Bridge and Coolsingel".
In 2007, over half a million people witnessed the traditional opening lap made by Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende and Mayor of Rotterdam Ivo Opstelten, and the various thunderous demonstrations. Under the authority of Bavaria City Racing 2008, Rotterdam Racing is currently undergoing talks with all the Formula one teams and the program is to be extended.
Extra: “New Energy Demo"
The City of Rotterdam is one of the 26 cities that intend to have their CO2 emissions under control by 2015. Mobility is a significant cause of pollution and Bavaria City Racing wishes to contribute to increasing awareness of CO2 emissions among the huge number of spectators. The program will therefore begin earlier with demonstrations of environmentally friendly racing vehicles. The vehicles will then line up at the ECO-Familieplein (‘family plaza’) on the Binnenrotte. “In view of the huge number of people we can reach during Bavaria City Racing, our event is a perfect platform for raising awareness of the climate problem and we are more than happy to take part", said Robert Heilbron.