Q What is an F1x2 car?

A In the case of a Minardi F1x2 car, it is a purpose-built chassis, based on a current-specification F1 car, and re-designed by an experienced team of engineers to incorporate a passenger compartment optimised for safety, comfort and viewing. The F1x2 car is powered by a 700bhp-plus European V10 racing engine, as used by the Minardi F1 Team in 2001, and features the same type of chassis construction, suspension, brakes and tyres as the cars competing in the 2008 Formula One World Championship.

Q How much does it cost to have a passenger ride?

A This falls into the “how-long-is-a-piece-of-string” category. The cost of an individual F1x2 ride is based on the total distance covered, the nominal running charge for the car currently being set at £250 per km. This figure covers such items as engine mileage, fuel consumed and tyre wear. Typically, an F1x2 passenger ride would consist of three laps (an “out” lap, a “flying” lap and an “in” lap), and if that were taken at, for example, the Donington Grand Prix circuit, which measures 4.023 km, the cost would work out at £3,017.25 (4.023 km x 3 laps x £250 per km). Clearly, the length of the circuit chosen and the number of passenger laps specified determines the final cost of the ride. The majority of programmes undertaken by the Minardi F1x2 Team are corporately funded events, however, in which case, a number of other costs must be factored into the overall pricing structure, including team personnel, transportation, accommodation, catering, circuit hire, medical and safety cover. In short, each Minardi F1x2 programme has to be individually costed, taking into account the specific requirements of the client.

Q Where do the cars run?

A They can run anywhere a powerful single-seater race car is able to – and a few places besides! In the eight years the Minardi F1x2 programme has been operating, the cars have carried passengers on Grand Prix circuits (Silverstone, Sepang, the A1 Ring, Hungaroring, Albert Park, Estoril), as well as a variety of other well-known race tracks (Donington, Rockingham, Vallelunga, Misano, Mugello, Mont-Tremblant, Beijing Goldenport, Kyalami, Valencia, Zandvoort, Zolder). In addition, they have brought the sights and sounds of Formula One to the inhabitants of some of the world’s best-known cities, including London, Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne, Johannesburg, Budapest, Sofia, Las Vegas, Long Beach, Houston, Toronto and San Jose. Add in airport-based events in Australia, Switzerland, the UK, US and Canada, and it’s clear the Minardi F1x2 cars, and the personnel who run them, are highly adaptable.

Q How fast do the cars go?

A The maximum speed of a Minardi F1x2 car, as with any high-performance vehicle, is dependent on the gearing chosen. Suffice to say, however, that speeds in excess of 300 km/h are achievable, combined with a performance envelope (acceleration, braking and cornering capabilities) similar to that of a current F1 car.

Q How many two-seaters are there?

A The Minardi F1x2 Team currently operates a fleet of eight cars.

Q How much did the F1x2 cars cost to build?

A It is difficult to be precise about the build cost of the F1x2 cars, as it is necessary to include the labour element involved in the design and build programme, over and above the cost of the huge number of components required, and then divide the total between the eight chassis that have been built to date. Perhaps the best answer is that each car is insured for £250,000.

Q As a passenger, do you really feel like you’re in a Formula One car?

A Absolutely! The combination of a two-seater car built to F1 manufacturing and safety standards, fitted with current F1-type suspension, brakes and tyres, plus a 700bhp-plus V10 engine, and driven by a top-flight driver, provides passengers with the closest experience possible to being in a Formula One car.

Q How much can you see around the driver’s headrest in front of you?

A Plenty. It’s a fallacy, possibly created and then perpetuated by individuals who have not been F1x2 passengers, that the driver’s headrest spoils the view. Consider that, although the passenger is strapped firmly into the car, it is still possible to move your head through 180 deg, which means the triangular-shaped headrest occupies only a relatively small proportion of your available sweep of vision. Additionally, the car is frequently in a state of yaw (turning), at which time the passenger is unlikely to be wanting to look straight ahead anyway, and when the car is travelling in a straight line, the headrest provides protection from the blast of air hitting the car as it travels forward at speeds of over 180 mph. The structure also provides a useful bracing point when the driver hits the carbon-carbon brakes, which can generate up to 4g of stopping power.

Q Are there any restrictions on the size of a passenger?

A Space is limited in the passenger compartment and, as a result, there are nominal limits of 1.8 m (6ft) in height, 88 kg (14 stone) in weight and a maximum girth (including upper arms) of 139.7cm (55 in). There is also a minimum height restriction of 1.58 m (5 ft 2 in). Minardi F1x2 personnel will, however, consider potential passengers whose height or weight exceeds these figures on a case-by-case basis. As long as the safety of the driver or passenger is not compromised, team members will make every effort to accommodate passengers.

Q Are there any medical restrictions when it comes to being a passenger?

A Each Minardi F1x2 passenger is checked by a qualified doctor before being allowed on track, and those over 45 years of age are subject to additional checks, including a full-stress ECG. Disabled participants are not excluded, but there are relevant safety restrictions in place regarding critical issues, such as exiting the car. Again, all such requests will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Q Can I be a passenger if I’m claustrophobic?

A It’s probably not a good idea, as by the time you are strapped tightly into the passenger compartment, wearing your full-face helmet and balaclava, and then the cockpit impact collar is dropped into place over you and secured, it’s a pretty tight fit. As such, it is possibly not the best of environments for those who find it difficult to cope with confined spaces.

Q Is there a minimum age for being an F1x2 passenger?

A Passengers must be over 16, and any participants between 16 and 18 years of age require parental consent in addition to the normal medical clearance required for all Minardi F1x2 passengers.

Q Do I need to bring a helmet or any special clothing?

A No. All necessary racewear, including fire-resistant overalls, underwear, boots, gloves and helmet, will be provided to passengers. Any additional personal items, such as towels, etc should be brought to the venue by the participant.