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12th July 2009
Imagine experiencing the power and grip of a Formula 1 car, just like the now retired Michael Schumacher has for the last 15 years... With AGS Formula 1 experiences you can get a taste for the awesome feeling of driving F1 cars of the recent past.
Or perhaps your 'thing' is sports cars - then why not drive the Group C Peugeot, one of the 3 that took the top steps of the podium at Le Mans. Imagine 3.5 litres of V10 Peugeot engine just inches from your head, 40 valves, 670hp and a maximum speed of over 200mph!
One of our clients said:The AGS FORMULE 1 fleet
"Just thought I would drop you a line to thank you for organising an excellent trip for my friends and I.
The facilities at the Circuit du Var were excellent. Right from the beginning of the morning where we received our induction, everything seemed very thorough, which meant that we got more out of the experience.
HeliAir were very efficient as was Franck, when we went out on our boat trip.
The Columbus was the perfect hotel for this trip, as not only was it a nice place to stay, it was ideally located for the events that we had planned.
The weekend went all just too quickly, but then we did cram in quite a bit.
I just hope that I can do something like this again in the not too distant future. "
A PR Executive, April 2009
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Without doubt, the fleet is one of the most prestigious being made up of 15 F1 cars which include 2 two-seaters, a Peugeot 905 'Le Mans' Sports Prototype, 11 Opel(Vauxhall)-Lotus single seaters and a Ferrari Modena Stradale. From the dog-clutch gearbox to the clutch paddle on the steering wheel, the diversity of technology available to our Clients represents the whole technical evolution that has marked the history of motor sport.
Example day at AGS Formula 1 driving experience
This diversity allows us to offer a varied range of courses: Grand Prix, Hi-Tech, Masters, Opel-Lotus and initiation in a Ferrari or an F1 two-seater. This guarantees you the choice of course best adapted to your expectations.
For more information on the racing cars available, click here
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The Opel Lotus The Formula Opel Lotus cars (very similar to F3) weigh just 450 kilos but develop 180 HP - this power to weight ration means a top speed of 210 kph (over 130 mph). Fitted with a 5 speed manual gearbox for the "Grand Prix" courses or a special paddle-shift for the "Hi-Tech" programmes, they ensure the ideal training prior to driving the F1. |
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Ferrari Modena Stradale A legendary prestige car and lets you feel what it's like to be in one of the marque's flagship vehicles. |
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Arrows A20 With its first appearance in a Grand Prix the ARROWS A20 (1999) scored its first points with Pedro de La Rosa behind the wheel. Engine: Hart/Arrows V10, 3 litre Gearbox: Arrows carbon-fibre semi-automatic |
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Prost AP02 The Prost APO2 (1999) was Jean Alesi's and Nick Heidfeld's close-season car and was raced by Jarno Trulli and Olivier Panis. Engine: Peugeot V10, 3 litre Gearbox: Prost six-speed longitudinal semi-automatic |
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Jordan EJ11 The JORDAN EJ11 (2001) was driven by H-H Frentzen, Alesi and Trulli and took six lap records and sixth place in the World Championship. Engine: Mugen-Honda V10 Gearbox: Lubrax 7-speed longitudinal semi-automatic sequential |
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Peugeot 905 Evolution 1B World Champion in sports cars! Two victories from two appearances, including a historic triple in the Le Mans 24-Hour Race (driven by Christophe Bouchut, Erik Hélary and Geoff Brabham). A legendary car. Engine: Peugeot V10, 3.5 litre, 670hp Gearbox: 6 speed sequential |
The Circuits
Click here to view more information on the available circuits
Not far from St Tropez and less than one
hour from Cannes or Nice, the 2.2 kilometre Var Circuit was the former test
track of the AGS F1 World Championship Team. With a mix of long straights, tight
corners and sweeping bends it provides a perfect venue to experience the raw
performance of a Formula One. Safety is paramount with full support services
including video surveillance and intervention teams.
Circuit Paul Ricard
Created
in 1970 by Paul Ricard and after 11 months of work in 2001, this legendary
circuit has become avant-gard and highly technological. Totally
refurbished, the Paul Ricard High Tech Test Track circuit combinesaesthetics, comfort and safety.
On the existing track, the creation of new bends and the removal of certain others have given place to a new more fluid and technical design. With its less abrasive surface, it offers more than 100 track solutions. The run-offs, which have replaced the gravel pits, have an ultra-abrasive asphalt surface designed to increase the slowing-down of cars.
The new generation pits provide comfort and ultra-sophisticated technical equipment with direct access to the Hospitality Unit and the private terrace. It is a site that combines technology, creativity and art. Everything has been thought of to maximise the drivers’ enjoyment of driving in complete safety thanks to unique solutions that are both innovative and very impressive.
An example day (please note that each day will be slightly different, and each package will be tailored to your requirements and budget). Click here for an example itinerary for your day
Example Itinerary
0745: Welcome to
AGS Formule 1.
Just time for a snack before you go to the changing rooms to put on your
'Driver's' clothes. And there you are - already bathing in the atmosphere.
0815: 'PILOTAGE' briefing in the teaching room.
We teach you all the secrets of driving a single-seater: shifting the load,
braking,
acceleration, taking slow and fast bends, safety rules...
0900: A study of the track by minibus.
The instructors describe each bend to you. With your detailed plan of the track
in your hand, you will discover the trajectory, which gear to use...
0915: Driving a single-seater.
Two laps at the wheel of an Opel-Lotus which includes a braking workshop.
You have the benefit of personalised advice after each lap so that you get the
best from yourself and from your car.
1130: A guided tour of the AGS workshops.
Behind the scenes! We open the doors to our technical departments: engine,
chassis, composites... and the whole AGS fleet.
1200: Lunch at the track restaurant.
A time of relaxation with a buffet in the room reserved solely for you and your
guests.
1330: 'FORMULE 1' briefing
You will learn the specifics of Formula 1: carbon brakes, gear boxes, starting
procedures, safety rules... information that is indispensable if your experience
is
to be a success.
1400: Driving FORMULE 1-style.
The hand is raised, the air-start is plugged in behind you and the V8 roars into
life. Into first. You let out the clutch' and you are now one of the few who
have driven an F1 car.
1630: Track initiation in a two-seater F1 or a Ferrari Modena (as an option).
The opportunity for you to share the sensation with the guests who have been
with you all day as you are taken round by an experienced driver from the AGS
FORMULE 1 team.
1730: Presentation of F1 driving certificates.
With your head full of images, you search for words to express how you feel.
It is certain that you will not watch the next Grand Prix with the same eyes.
Your day includes:
The complete driver's equipment (crash helmet, gloves, racing overalls,
balaclava,
racing boots, all FIA approved) access to the circuit, safety provisions,
availability of the
Opel-Lotus and Formula 1 single-seaters, access to the bar and the driver's
meal.
People with you who have an 'AGS VIP' pass have access to the stands, the bar, a
visit
to the workshops and an introduction to the circuit.
Example Costs
Each of our F1 Experience days is 'bespoke' and
therefore the prices shown are an example of the packages available -
click here to view prices
| Type of experience | Number of laps | Approx cost |
| F1 Experience @ Circuit du Var manual gearbox |
15 laps Opel-Lotus + 5 laps F1 | £1,800 |
| F1 Experience @ Circuit du Var Hi Tech - semi-automatic gearbox |
15 laps Opel-Lotus + 10 laps F1 | £3,400 |
| Guest pass @ Circuit du Var includes lunch, tour and access to viewing areas |
£95 | |
| Arrows or Prost F1 V10 | 5 laps Opel-Lotus, 8 laps F1 V8, 4 laps F1 V10 | £6,295 |
| Peugeot 905 | 5 laps Opel-Lotus, 8 laps F1 V8, 4 laps Peugeot 905 | £6,900 |
| Arrows or Prost F1 V10 AND Peugeot 905 | 5 laps Opel-Lotus, 8 laps F1 V8, 4 laps F1 V10, 4 laps Peugeot 905 | £8,800 |
| Guest pass @ Circuit Paul Ricard includes lunch, tour and access to viewing areas |
£120 | |
| Additional laps in V10 F1/Peugeot 905 | from £600 | |
Prices shown are approximate and subject to adjustment according to your requirements and also with exchange rate movement. Standard insurance excess is €6000, however an additional insurance waiver is available for approx £105 which will reduce any accidental damage excess to €1000. Insurance will be payable direct to the operator.
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