Nick Padmore is gearing up to achieve a lifelong ambition and take to the streets of Monte Carlo, behind the wheel of a Grand Prix car for the 2014 Historic Grand Prix of Monaco this weekend.
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Padmore will line up in the 1976 Walter Wolf Racing Williams FW05 alongside car-owner Max Smith-Hilliard in the iconic 1977 Lotus 77 for the 45-minute feature race of the biennial event around the twisty and narrow public roads of the principality.
Smith-Hilliard will also compete in the ‘Serie E’ race, open to Grand Prix car from 1966 to 1972, in his 1971 Surtees TS9B, formerly driven by Derek Bell.
Padmore has been coaching Smith-Hilliard throughout an extensive development programme, working closely with the Hampshire-based WDK Motorsport outfit, and the pair is confident that they have a solid package and are in a good position for the feature race to mount a strong attack amongst the 39-car grid.
Nick Padmore:“I’m ecstatic to be doing the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco and seeing my name printed on the entry list is very surreal. This really is the chance of a lifetime for me but I don’t think it will properly sink in though until I’m actually there, sat in the car, on the Saturday morning!
“Monaco is a pretty unforgiving circuit so it will be a real test of concentration and patience will be key when we are challenging other cars and in traffic.
“It will be a busy weekend, especially for Max, racing both the Surtees and Lotus. During the winter he really upped his game and I’m very happy with the progress he has been making so he should be on for a strong showing in both races.
“I’ve been handed a dream opportunity to race a Grand Prix car on the most prestigious Grand Prix circuit in the world so I’m fully focused on showing my gratitude with a good result for both of us and the team.
“Everyone at WDK Motorsport has been working tirelessly in testing and also back at HQ to make us as best prepared as we can be and we’re 100% motivated to bring all three cars home and contribute to the history of these stunning machines.”
Live TV coverage of the event will be broadcast by throughout Saturday and Sunday by Motors TV.
9TH GRAND PRIX DE MONACO HISTORIQUE (9-11 MAY 2014)*
Race F – F1 cars, from 1973 to 1978
Saturday 10th MayTesting: 10.10 – 10.30Qualifying: 17.50 - 18.10
Sunday 11th MayRace: 17.45 - 18.30 (18 laps or 45 minutes)
Race E – F1 cars, from 1966 to 1972
Friday 9th MayTesting: 10.10 – 10.30
Saturday 10th MayQualifying: 14.30 - 14.50
Sunday 11th MayRace: 15.05 - 15.50 (18 laps or 45 minutes)
* All times provisional
