Reigning FIA World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx has announced he will attend Autosport International next January, confirming his appearance days before the WTCC reaches its 2008 finale in Macau.
The triple world champion will visit the NEC-based show in Birmingham on Friday 9 January, fitting the appearance in despite a busy testing schedule.
“I wouldn’t miss the show unless I absolutely had to!” said the BMW Team UK driver. “I always try to be there as it’s one of the few places where you can meet everyone in motorsport. Drivers, teams, suppliers, sponsors and more importantly the fans… they all attend, which makes the show unmissable. There is always a great atmosphere, which I really enjoy.”
DTM rookie Oliver Jarvis will also take part in the show on both public days (Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 January), signing autographs for fans and answering questions on the Autosport Stage with recollections from his first year as an Audi driver in the German touring car championship.
“I really liked taking part in the show and it’s great to be coming back again,” said the 24-year-old who appeared at this year’s show with A1 Team Great Britain. “Last time, I was still celebrating the fact that I had won the 2007 Macau Formula 3 race and it was really good to meet so many people from the industry directly after that. To attend again, especially amongst such great British drivers, is extremely exciting.”
Both drivers join Formula 1 star David Coulthard and Le Mans winner Allan McNish in the 2009 celebrity line-up for the Autosport International Show.
“Andy and Oliver are great British representatives on the world motorsport scene,” said Haymarket Exhibitions Show Director Ian France. “Both are extremely successful in their respective careers, as well as being genuinely great company. We look forward to seeing them entertain visitors at the show.”
Notes to editorsThe 2008 Autosport International Show attracted over 84,000 visitors, including 28,000 trade buyers. Over 1,000 media representatives were present throughout the event, covering the show’s numerous live displays and 850 exhibitors.
Autosport International will be open to the public on Saturday 10 to Sunday 11 January 2009. Adult tickets start at £29 per day, with children’s tickets costing £19, and include a 34-page souvenir brochure. To book, visit utosport-international.com or call 0044 (0) 844 579 3188 .
Paddock passes are available for £35 per adult and £25 for children. In addition to standard admission, visitors will have access to the Driver Signing Area as well as fast-track entry to the Live Action Arena and a great viewing position at the centre of the grandstands.
A Platinum Club pass, at £100, includes all the benefits of the Paddock Pass plus exclusive access to the VIP enclosure at the very top of the Live Action Arena grandstand, complete with champagne and canapés. You will also receive complimentary parking, cloakroom at the NEC plus a goodie bag.
