London Grand Prix takes step closer to reality?

Could a Formula One Grand Prix around the streets of London become a reality?

As part of a publicity stunt for Santander ahead of the 2012 British Grand Prix a spectacular London race track was unveiled as part of a Santander event at the Royal Automobile Club on Pall Mall in June 2012.

The plans which would see the likes of Jenson Button lead the field down past Buckingham Palace and onto Trafalgar Square before driving down onto the streets of London and perhaps even down by the Thames and past Westminster, made quite a storm in the media, showing just how popular the race could be if made into a reality.

That could have taken one step forward following the Government announcing a six week consultation on ‘closed-road motorsport events’ on mainland Britain.

The consultation which will conclude in mid-April 2013 will concentrate on Rally events such as sprints and hill climbs, but Button believes it could be a step Formula One could benefit from.

‘When I first saw the plans for a London Grand Prix I knew they were ambitious, but fantastic, The thought of a race through the capital’s streets was only a dream when they initiated the project, but this week’s changes to the law bring the idea a step closer to reality. Jenson Button told Sky Sports.

So back to the fantasy London track……

The circuit was commissioned by Populous, to ensure that every little detail had been heavily investigated and researched so that it’s easy to see just how it could become a reality, if it received the backing required.

An extensive and wide-ranging approach was taken as part of the design process a full feasibility plan was drawn up, embracing all logistical considerations, to the extent that 27,000 trees are included in the plans, with every single one remaining untouched!

A 5.156-kilometre circuit in the heart of London may well be a logistic nightmare to stage, but with 20+ Formula One cars streaming past such sights as Buckingham Palace, The Ritz, Wellington Arch, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, before driving up the Embankment with a lit up London Eye clearly visible from the cock-pit, before what looks like one of the most spectacular corners in Formula One turning left at Trafalgar Square, through Admiralty Arch and onto The Mall to end the lap, this race would prove to be one of the most spectacular on the F1 calendar Button added.

‘When you really picture what it would look like it’s truly mind blowing.

‘You could create such a unique grand prix through the streets of London – the roads are naturally very wide and long, so straightline speeds would be high, and you could create a real blend of corners.

‘When you combine all of that with the world-famous monuments that would feature in the backdrop you can see why it would be an awesome addition to the calendar.

‘The dream has taken a step closer this week, and I’d love to see this amazing concept finally happen.’

For an in-depth look at the design process behind the track, including interviews and CGI videos of the track itself, visit The London Grand Prix by Santander Videos website.