McLaren drivers all up for London GP

LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 17: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and McLaren Mercedes poses with his new British Grand Prix helmet at Abbey Head Office on June 17, 2009 in London, England.

Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button have expressed their support towards a Grand Prix in Great Britain’s capital London. Reports about bids for a London Grand Prix and a planned circuit through the city have circulated the motorsport world a lot recently. While some are worried about the consequences for the city’s infrastructure, the McLaren drivers seem up for it. The planned circuit would, among others, pass Buckingham Palace, the Big Ben and Trafalgar Square.

Hamilton: “Having been immersed in this project, having helped to shape this track, it feels as real to me as anywhere I have raced. Jenson and I worked in the simulator to provide some useful feedback to inform the circuit design, so this is far more than whimsical thinking out loud.”

“I have to say, this is an utterly epic track and would produce the most stunning and compelling Formula 1 race. A Grand Prix here (in London) would be the best thing in the world, the biggest event, sensational.”

“If you add an event of this complexion to London’s staggering roster of world-class sporting events, it surely would have to own the title of the ultimate sporting metropolis.”

Though his teammate Button agreed that the idea of a London Grand Prix is phenomenal, he seems a bit more skeptical about it becoming reality. He said: “Personally, do I like the idea of having a London Grand Prix? Yes, the more Grands Prix in the UK the better. But I am not sure where it would be. There was talk of using the Olympic Stadium, which could be quite a lot of fun. I am not sure you would be able to close down London for a Grand Prix, but it is a nice idea though and a great hypothetical track to drive.”

“I do not know how difficult it would be to get a London Grand Prix up and running, but all we know is that it sounds like a great idea.”