Formula 1 two-seater at Yas
Discussion
Was lucky enough to have a go on Sunday. It was amazing, unlike anything I've ever experienced in a car before. The stopping and cornering capabilities are just incredible.
At 7,500AED it's pissing expensive, and you have to pass a medical before they'll let you in, but if you can scrape the cash together, do it.
Gives me a whole new respect for F1 drivers; I was destroyed after three laps and I didn't even have to pilot the thing.
There are also lots of other fun things to drive at the Yas Racing School: Aston GT4, thinly disguised Radical SR3 and shortly a thinly disguised Formula Palmer Audi (albeit with a Cosworth engine). Fun fun fun.
http://www.yasmarinacircuit.ae/
At 7,500AED it's pissing expensive, and you have to pass a medical before they'll let you in, but if you can scrape the cash together, do it.
Gives me a whole new respect for F1 drivers; I was destroyed after three laps and I didn't even have to pilot the thing.
There are also lots of other fun things to drive at the Yas Racing School: Aston GT4, thinly disguised Radical SR3 and shortly a thinly disguised Formula Palmer Audi (albeit with a Cosworth engine). Fun fun fun.
http://www.yasmarinacircuit.ae/
I saw this advertised a while back. I've always fancied it. I remember Murry walker giving his impressions and he said the same kinda thing. He wasn't blown away by the acceleration, but the braking was out of this world.
I've done a fair bit of karting when I were a lad, and although I was reasonablt fit, 20 minutes on one of the twin engine jobbies was enough for me...knackered by the end of it
I'll definately have a look at doing this.
Are you allowed to smoke during the medical?
I've done a fair bit of karting when I were a lad, and although I was reasonablt fit, 20 minutes on one of the twin engine jobbies was enough for me...knackered by the end of it
I'll definately have a look at doing this.
Are you allowed to smoke during the medical?
Maybe not DURING the medical...
Medical involved a quiz on medical history, heart rate and blood pressure, stethoscope to the lungs and doing some squats. Nothing terribly taxing if you're fairly fit, although a couple of people in the group I went with didn't pass.
It really was quite something, I'm still grinning now. Not sure who the drivers are for regular sessions, but we had Mika Salo and Jamie Campbell Walter, both of whom were very quick indeed. There are three right handers before the left under the hotel, and JCW went around them faster than I ever thought possible. I was convinced we were going to slide off, but the car just gripped and gripped and gripped. And stopping at the end of the straights is like being punched.
Medical involved a quiz on medical history, heart rate and blood pressure, stethoscope to the lungs and doing some squats. Nothing terribly taxing if you're fairly fit, although a couple of people in the group I went with didn't pass.
It really was quite something, I'm still grinning now. Not sure who the drivers are for regular sessions, but we had Mika Salo and Jamie Campbell Walter, both of whom were very quick indeed. There are three right handers before the left under the hotel, and JCW went around them faster than I ever thought possible. I was convinced we were going to slide off, but the car just gripped and gripped and gripped. And stopping at the end of the straights is like being punched.
Can't speak about the F1 experience, but I have been privileged to drive the Maserati MC GT4 around the shorter 'North' circuit, and that was an awesome experience. Brakes are now such a hugely important part of racing - whereas I learned to use engine braking in a straight line and to brake as well, now it's stand on the middle pedal as hard as you can, blip down three gears at the very last moment and get everything steady a split second before the actual turn.
Took a Renault Clio Cup around the full circuit, and the section under the hotel is quite something. Bit like hooning around deepest darkest Bur Dubai. The Clio also had fantastic grip, even when bouncing over the kerbs. (Full story here)
Can't wait to get back!
Took a Renault Clio Cup around the full circuit, and the section under the hotel is quite something. Bit like hooning around deepest darkest Bur Dubai. The Clio also had fantastic grip, even when bouncing over the kerbs. (Full story here)
Can't wait to get back!
Edited by joncastle on Tuesday 22 June 11:57
I did the F1x3 on the International circuit at the autodrome in a 2004 Jordan car.
I love the way that the accelleration never stops. It changes the direction from which it is hitting you but it never stops. Forwards, backwards, sideways, there is always at least 1G in any given direction because if you are not accellerating you are braking or cornering, there are no 'calm' periods!
I love the way that the accelleration never stops. It changes the direction from which it is hitting you but it never stops. Forwards, backwards, sideways, there is always at least 1G in any given direction because if you are not accellerating you are braking or cornering, there are no 'calm' periods!
dictys said:
Isn't there a weight and height limit? 192 cm and 95kg I think?
I'm looking to do the F1 drive at the paul ricard circuit in the near future(abt AED 8k)but need to lose a few kg first (quite a few!)
Hmm, not sure. But for practical reasons I should imagine larger people will struggle. I'm a fraction under 6'0 and 85kg and it was a tight squeeze - JCW's elbows hit me in the knees whenever he turned the wheel.I'm looking to do the F1 drive at the paul ricard circuit in the near future(abt AED 8k)but need to lose a few kg first (quite a few!)
dictys said:
Isn't there a weight and height limit? 192 cm and 95kg I think?
I'm looking to do the F1 drive at the paul ricard circuit in the near future(abt AED 8k)but need to lose a few kg first (quite a few!)
That is me right out - I haven't been 95kgs since I was 14. Sounds an amazing experience though, and one my Dad would love; he's less fat than me - is there an age limit?I'm looking to do the F1 drive at the paul ricard circuit in the near future(abt AED 8k)but need to lose a few kg first (quite a few!)
Hitch78 said:
dictys said:
Isn't there a weight and height limit? 192 cm and 95kg I think?
I'm looking to do the F1 drive at the paul ricard circuit in the near future(abt AED 8k)but need to lose a few kg first (quite a few!)
That is me right out - I haven't been 95kgs since I was 14. Sounds an amazing experience though, and one my Dad would love; he's less fat than me - is there an age limit?I'm looking to do the F1 drive at the paul ricard circuit in the near future(abt AED 8k)but need to lose a few kg first (quite a few!)
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