Suomi - Panasonic Toyota Racing meets Helsinki
Crowds estimated at over 45.000 people gathered in the streets
of downtown Helsinki today to catch a glimpse of the first
ever Formula 1 car to hit the streets of the Finnish capital.
F1 enthusiasts were presented with a unique chance to view
and experience an F1 car up-close as Panasonic Toyota Racing
driver Jarno Trulli drove 6 laps on a track which wound its
way from Rautatientori Square up to Kaisaniemenkatu and with
a 90-degree turn down Vilhonkatu back to Rautatientori Square.
The day was packed with roaring sounds of the F1 engine,
awe-inspiring acceleration and the chance to watch the pit
activities from up-close. One of the most popular activities
was the Toyota Pit Stop Challenge, where more than 1000 fans
put together teams to compete against each other to see who
could change the tyres of an F1 car the fastest. A Bridgestone
safety belt simulator showed the crowd why, even in regular
passenger cars, it is important to fasten our seatbelts before
driving off.
Caught up in the excitement of the day himself, Jarno Trulli
commented:
"We had a fantastic crowd here in Helsinki today, and
were able to show the people of Finland a little of the excitement
of Formula 1. People were watching from every vantage point
- buildings, windows and rooftops, and I've had a superb welcome
here today.
With the temperatures and the winding track today in the
centre of Helsinki, it felt a little bit like Monaco, although
I found the track conditions slightly more difficult - the
grip was very low with all the cobble stones and tram lines
crossing the track.
With the possibility to touch and feel F1 that close, even
closer than on a race track, I am sure that all the people
had a great day."
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