An astonishing half a million people thronged Regent Street in London’s West End yesterday to enjoy at first hand the thrill, glamour and power of Formula 1 motor racing as cars from 8 teams drove the length of the street – the first time such an event has been held in Britain.

Drivers including Jensen Button (B.A.R. Honda), David Coulthard (Team McLaren Mercedes) and Juan Pablo Montoya (BMW Williams F1) were joined by Nigel Mansell, who came out retirement especially to drive for Jordan in the event.

The cars roared out of the ‘starting grid’ in Waterloo Place off Pall Mall and drove a route normally encumbered with buses and taxis, past Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street’s flagship Austin Reed and Burberry stores before looping round the back of Dickins & Jones, past Liberty and heading back down Regent Street past Hamley’s, Aquascutum and the Café Royal, crossing the finishing line back in Waterloo Place.

The event was the brainchild of Westminster Councillor, Ian Wilder, a Formula 1 fan who believed Britain should follow the example of other countries that hold pre-race events in major cities. The event, produced by Harvey Goldsmith CBE, became a reality with co-operation between Westminster City Council, The Regent Street Association and The Crown Estate. The fact that Regent Street is under the single ownership of The Crown Estate, together with its heritage of hosting world class events, made it a natural choice for the route.

Annie Walker, Director of The Regent Street Association, says: "Today's event demonstrated that central London is more than capable of staging world class events - and Regent Street is the perfect place to hold them. We are delighted with its success and special thanks must go to all those who made this possible including Westminster City Council, the Metropolitan Police and Transport for London." 

The organisers will now be reviewing the success of the event and considering whether it should become an annual fixture prior to the British Grand Prix.

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