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FORMULA 1 DRIVING EXPERIENCE MONACO

Join the jet-set on this exclusive weekend of Formula 1 action in the Internationally renowned playground of Monte Carlo.

Stay in David Coulthard's Hotel - Drive the streets of Monaco - Drive a real Ex Formula 1 Paddle Shift Grand Prix Car

This really is “The Ultimate Driving Experience”

FORMULA 1 DRIVING EXPERIENCE Monaco (Circuit du Var)

2008 Event Dates - For individuals: 2008 Event Dates - For Groups :

MARCH

MARCH

APRIL

APRIL

MAY

MAY

JUNE

JUNE

JULY

JULY

AUGUST

 

AUGUST

 

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

OCTOBER

 

Monte Carlo Classic Manual Shift F1 Drive Experience - From £1,995 -  Check Availability BOOK NOW

Monte Carlo Modern Paddle Shift F1 Drive Experience - From £2,795 -  Check Availability BOOK NOW

Experience the thrill of driving Formula 3 race cars on track before stepping up to the ultimate driving machine – a genuine Formula 1 Grand Prix car - the fast pace then continues with a sensational ride in a 2-seater F1 with an ex-F1 driver at the wheel!

On this amazing tour you will also take a panoramic helicopter flight over Monaco, visit the Casino de Monte Carlo and be able to drive a lap around the Monaco Grand Prix circuit in a road car - all from the base of your luxury hotel in the very heart of the principality!

The tour as detailed includes:

- 2 Nights superb quality four star luxury hotel accommodation
- Breakfast
- 3 days car hire with detailed road books for all routes
- F1 Course to include:
- Supply of all safety equipment & professional tuition from ex-Formula 1 drivers
- 15 Laps (44km) Formula 3 Vauxhall Lotus Training
- 3-course lunch at the Circuit
- 4 Laps (8.8km) Formula 1 Experience (extra laps available by arrangement)
- Optional thrilling passenger ride in a 2-seater Formula 1 car
- Option to drive Classic manual gearshift cars Formula 1 Cars
- Option to paddle shift AGS Formula 1 Cars, paddle shift Arrows or Prost Formula 1 Cars 
- Champagne presentation with gifts and souvenir certificate
- Panoramic helicopter flight over Monaco and the surrounding area
- VIP entrance pass to the Casino de Monte Carlo
- Personal accident insurance
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- £5,000,000 tour operators liability insurance

Monte Carlo Experience - From £2,795 -  Various dates - Feb to Oct 2008 -    Check Availability BOOK NOW

Day 1 - Your hire car will be waiting at Nice Airport and Monaco is just 30 minutes away. 
Your base for the weekend will be David Coulthard's Columbus Hotel, just a short stroll from Casino Square.
Much appreciated by guests over the years, the hotel has a great bar, excellent restaurant and a swimming pool.

Monte Carlo itself requires no introduction. The spiritual home of Grand Prix racing, this world famous principality plays host to the most glamorous Grand Prix of all and is a year-round magnet for royalty, celebrities and the super-rich from all four corners of the globe.

Fortunately you don't need to be a millionaire to visit here as there are a large selection of quality restaurants and places of interest to visit that offer surprisingly good value (a detailed guide is supplied prior to travel). Those intent on spending a fortune though will be relieved to find that they are more than well catered for!

F1 fans visiting the principality for the first time will marvel at seeing just how tight and twisting the Grand Prix circuit is; flying round it at 200mph simply defies belief! You will also have the opportunity to drive the circuit yourself in the road car supplied (presumably at a slightly more sedate pace!); the route book supplied gives you detailed instructions and information on the circuit.

The impact Formula 1 makes here is clear, from specialist shops offering superb memorabilia and art galleries displaying stunning works of automotive art to the more predictable themed bars and restaurants. In fact where ever you go in Monaco you will never be more than a couple of hundred metres from a current F1 driver's apartment as over half of the current grid lives here. Say no more!

The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax and enjoy Monaco. For the evening a 1-hour open bar with champagne has been arranged, a restaurant reservation can be made upon request.

Monte Carlo Experience - From £2,695 -  Various dates - Feb to Oct 2008 -   Check Availability BOOK NOW

Day 2 – After an early morning breakfast it’s off on the hour drive along the coast to Le Luc and the Circuit du Var. Upon arrival at the circuit you will be welcomed with coffee and croissants and kitted out in your FIA approved safety equipment.
Everything is of the finest quality with changing rooms and showers more akin to a health club than a race circuit.

Your Chief Instructor, Patrick Gaillard, is an ex-Formula 1 driver having raced with British Team Ensign in the late 1970s. Patrick speaks excellent English and is a charming host, excellent instructor and extremely talented driver. Patrick himself hosts the morning briefing before taking all drivers out onto the circuit in a mini-van to learn the track and demonstrate the correct lines, braking points etc.

With the theory taken care it’s time to put it all into practice. With wings, slicks and over 400 BHP per tonne the F3’s are faster than any road car and a fantastic experience in their own right. You will have 3 sessions on track and a total of 15 laps to refine your technique and build your speed. Between each session there is a one-to-one debrief with your instructor.

With the morning sessions complete there is a tour of the Formula 1 workshop - an impressive facility with over 10 different Formula 1 cars before the group break for an excellent 3-course lunch served in the restaurant overlooking the circuit.

The post-lunch F1 briefing covers all the important aspects of driving the F1 including the starting and safety procedures – all entirely necessary considering the cars have 650 BHP, weigh less than half a Mini and are not restricted in any way. The performance can be conservatively described as astounding with 0-120mph coming up in less than 5 seconds and full carbon brakes that wipe off speed at a quite incredible rate.

The F1 you drive will be based on which course you have booked. It could be the classic F1 with manual box (all of which raced in the world championship) or one of the modern paddle shift AGS F1 cars or perhaps the ultimate a late generation Prost or Arrows with a semi automatic paddle change box.
They are all equipped with carbon brakes and race tyres. They are as the saying goes, fairly serious bit's of kit and unlike other so called "F1 Experiences" there is no de-tuned engine, no artificial rev limiters and of course you have the whole circuit virtually to yourself when you drive.

Taking the wheel of the F1 is really quite a privilege; the sound is intoxicating, the performance inspirational, the experience sensational. But rather than take our word for it we recommend you read the various press and customer testimonials – they really do say it all.

Of course even after you have stepped out of the F1 the action is not quite over. Your appreciation of the talents of F1 drivers will no doubt have been readjusted by your experience but now there is the opportunity to appreciate it first hand. You have "the best seat in the house" sat immediately behind the professional driver as you take to the circuit in the specially designed and constructed AGS-X2 2-seater Formula 1. 

The day ends with a celebratory glass of champagne and the presentation of gifts and your certificate. You are now a member of a very exclusive and privileged club.

Back in Monaco and the evening affords time to take in some of the renowned Monte Carlo nightlife – stop off at the Casino de Monte Carlo for a flutter on the famous green baize (VIP pass included) then check out the wide range of bars & clubs or simply relax in Casino Square whilst star-spotting. Life should always be like this!

Day 3 and after a relaxed breakfast there is ample time to simply kick back, relax by the hotel pool or explore the wide variety of attractions in Monaco. Before the flight home there is a final treat as you take to the air by helicopter to take in the amazing panoramic views of Monaco and the surrounding area by air. A thrilling way to end what must surely be the trip of a lifetime.

Monte Carlo Experience - From £2,695 -  Various dates - Feb to Oct 2008 -    Check Availability BOOK NOW

ITINERARY

This is a suggested itinerary which can if necessary be altered according to your actual flight times:

Day 1
1300 Arrive Nice, collect hire car & transfer to Monte Carlo
1400 Arrive at Hotel, check-in, free time
2000 Evening meal at local restaurant

Day 2
0600 Depart for circuit
0745 Arrive at Circuit du Var, coffee / croissants
0800 Distribution of race equipment
0815 F3 Briefing
0900 Introductory tours of the circuit / 3 sessions on track in F3
1130 Visit to the Formula 1 workshop
1200 Lunch
1330 F1 Briefing
1400 Formula 1 sessions
1700 Optional 2-seater F1 ride
1730 Awards ceremony: Champagne, diplomas and gift
1800 Depart circuit

Evening Out on the town in Monaco

Day 3
0830 Breakfast then morning at your leisure
1000 Helicopter flight over Monaco
Transfer back to Nice for return flight home

Monte Carlo Experience - From £2,695 -  Various dates - Feb to Oct 2008 -    Check Availability BOOK NOW


F1 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

AGS JH25-COSWORTH
 Sponsors: Astilleros Imesa, Conseil General du Var, Paulo Fiori
Designers: Michael Costa, Christian Vanderpleyn, Mario Tollentino
Team Manager: Henri Cochin

ENGINE:
Type: Cosworth DFR No of Cylinders: V8 Bore and Stroke: 90mm x 68.7mm Capacity: 3493cc Compression Ratio: 12.5:1 Maximum Power: 650 bhp @ 11,250 rpm Maximum rpm: 11,750 Block Material: Aluminium alloy Piston & Rings: Mahle Bearings: Vandervell Fuel & Oil: Elf Sparking Plugs: Champion Fuel Injection: Cosworth Ignition System: Lucas Weight: 315lb / 142.9kg

TRANSMISSION:
Gearbox: Coloni / Hewland 6-speed Driveshafts: AGS Clutch: AP

CHASSIS:
Front Suspension: Double Wishbones, Pushrod Rear Suspension: Double Wishbones, Pushrod Suspension Dampers: Koni Wheel Diameter: front 13in. rear 13in. Wheel Rim Widths: front 11.5 in. rear 16 in. Tyres: Goodyear Brakes: Brembo / Carbone Industrie (Carbon Fibre) Steering: AGS Radiator: Secan Fuel Tanks: ATL Instruments: PI Research

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 110 in. / 2794mm Track: front 71in / 1803mm rear 66.7 in / 1695mm Formula Weight: 1102.3 lb / 500 kg

Monte Carlo Experience - From £2,695 - Various dates - Feb to Oct 2008 -    Check Availability BOOK NOW

 


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Do I need to have a competition licence to drive the Fl?
A. No, you need only be a competent driver in possession of a full driving licence.

Q. Are there any rev limits or restrictions on the cars?
A. No, the F1s are exactly as they were when they raced in the F.I.A. Formula 1 World Championship except for a smaller fuel tank fitted for safety purposes.

Q. Do I have to pay if I crash the car?
A. No, you are insured but the cars are not. AGS assume the risk of repairing the cars in the event of an accident so please don’t bend them!

Q. Are we allowed to race?
A. There is no problem with you overtaking or driving quickly as long as you use the technique shown. The driving technique is designed to allow you to experience the full power of driving an F1 both quickly and safely.

Q. Are there any size restrictions?
A. Drivers should be under 6'5" and weigh no more than 16.5 stones although drivers marginally outside these limits can sometimes be accommodated, please call for details.

Q. How many F1 cars are available?
A. AGS have an incredible eleven F1 chassis of which six are normally serviceable at any one time. Never once in eight years of operation has a day had to be terminated due to car failure.

Monte Carlo Experience - From £2,695 -  Various dates - Feb to Oct 2008 -    Check Availability BOOK NOW

TESTIMONIALS

"If you really want to know about acceleration, you need an F1 car. The AGS hardware with 3.5 litres of prime Cosworth V8, producing a furious 650 bhp at 11,000 rpm, has the potential to deliver such brain scrambling levels of acceleration it makes any road car feel like a milk float. The accelerator is a switch that triggers a chain of events so violent, so instantaneous that one brief exploration of its travel leaves you dizzy, shocked and utterly seduced. In skilled hands it must be good for a sub 3 sec 0-60 mph and 0-100 in well under 6 secs. Not even a McLaren F1 can live with that.

It's all you can do to hang onto the steering wheel with your left hand and keep throwing upshifts at the crazily powerful V8 with your right. I swear it feels like it would pull seven, eight maybe nine gears. No wonder slotting sixth delivers the same punch as a standing start in a quick road car. That I've brought the thing home in one piece and felt the unique kick in the kidneys at 160 mph that only an F1 car can deliver is an experience I'll cherish forever."
Richard Meaden - EVO Magazine

"...I upchange into fifth, a slight lift, and then through the big curve before pulling sixth and going for the revs. Oh my godddddd. The engines roar turns into a booming howl. I can literally feel it pulsing my eardrums and thudding my chest. A steam catapult hurls the car down the straight. The 2nd gear turn that was 400 metres away is almost on my nosecone. In sheer fear I brake harder than I have ever braked before and the car all but stops 50 metres from the corner!"
Kevin Blick - Editor, BBC Top Gear Magazine

" I watched as one middle-aged Cellnet agent sat in an AGS JH26 with 650 bhp of Ford DFR V8 behind him. While one mechanic removed the tyre warmers another plugged in the gas-charged starter. The man behind the wheel had never driven on a circuit before today nor driven a car with gears for 14 years. This was unreal!"
Peter Dron - Daily Telegraph

"I wanted to write and thank you and your team for organizing a fantastic three days away in Monaco for the F1 driving experience. We thought that your organisation and the whole event were of high quality and absolutely fantastic fun. We were still on a high when we got home in England."
Anthony Ettlinger - Microsoft

"Thanks for running a superb event. It'll probably not come as a surprise to hear that the grin is still deeply embedded on my face!"
Nick Hope - Leighton Buzzard

"....many thanks for the immaculate organisation of the weekend. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it."
V. Berserik - London

"I just wanted to write and thank you for a great time in the South of France driving the AGS Formula 1 car. It was a real privilege. It's hard not to become an F1 bore telling friends just how fantastic the whole experience was. The course was some of the best single seat training I have received. It really was about as exciting as it gets Thanks very much for all that you did."
Ian Harnett - Hertfordshire

"Thanks again for the trip - the guys are still talking about it. Money well spent I feel!"
Adam Waddell - BBC Worldwide

"Many thanks for your kind attentions and organisation. This was undoubtedly one of the best experiences of my life & I feel that your personal involvement & guidance were extremely significant in a tremendous and most enjoyable event."
D M Corrie, Cumbria

"Thanks for helping me to experience one of the most exhilarating feelings of my life. It really was one in a million. Everyone on the BBC Top Gear trip had a fantastic time!"
Stuart Mays - Zenith Media

"Thanks for a fantastic weekend in Monaco. I'm still shaking from the F1 drive. I want to do it again!!!!!! See you next year."
Robin Taylor - by e-mail

"Just like to say thanks for arranging our trip. It was perfect from start to finish and felt like we were away much longer than the three days - a good sign of a good time! As this was a special birthday present for Gerard it was so important to me that it went well and he enjoyed it - I think that from the grin from ear to ear after the F1 it was a definite YES!"
Jo Cherry - Oxon

Monte Carlo Experience - From £2,695 -  Various dates - Feb to Oct 2008 -    Check Availability BOOK NOW


PRICES

The cost of the trip as proposed is based on two people sharing twin rooms and includes all of the items listed on the front page. The specification and group size can be amended to your requirements, please call for a personalised quotation.

Classic F1 Manual shift 

1 Driver               £1,995
Non Driving Guest  £545
Single Supplement £345

1 Driver               £1,729
Single Supplement £345

Extra Laps F1 (Classic) 

£170 per lap

Modern Paddle Shift F1 

1 Driver               £2,695
Non Driving Guest  £545
Single Supplement £345

Extra Laps F1 (Modern) 

£220 per lap

2 Seater F1 Ride (Must be booked on F1 Drive)

£245

Monte Carlo Experience - From £2,695 -  Various dates - Feb to Oct 2008 -    Check Availability BOOK NOW

Dates
There are approximately 80 dates available per year which run between the period February to October. Please contact us for a full list of dates to suit.

What’s not included:
Incidentals such as telephone calls, mini bar etc.
Flights*
* Due to the international nature of our clients we do not include flights as part of our standard package. This allows attendees to arrange their flights to fit with their required timings and departure airports. If required, flights can be arranged through our appointed travel agent; alternatively a full list of carriers including direct carriers not available through travel agents can be supplied upon request.

The price quoted is subject to final requirements, availability and specification at the time of booking.

Optional Extras:

Additional F1 laps: 

Classic  F1 £170 per lap
Modern F1 £220 per lap

2-seater F1 ride for guest: £245 

Making a Booking
A deposit of 25% of the tour price is required to confirm your booking. 
Full Price Payable in Advance if Booking is Made 12 weeks (or less) before the Event Date>

Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us by clicking on the link below. We are delighted to help.

Monte Carlo Experience - From £2,695 - Various dates - Feb to Oct 2008 -    Check Availability BOOK NOW

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