The drivers showed them visually and audibly what the cars from motorsport's elite class are capable of. Regular drivers Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica were joined by test drivers Christian Klien and Marko Asmer, and put the tyres through their paces as they raced round the demonstration circuit in the BMW F1.08.

The technology behind the cars was explained to the fans in person by Technical Director Willy Rampf, Head of Powertrain Markus Duesmann, and Managing Director Walter Riedl, with the assistance of a broken-down model of the F1.08. It goes without saying that BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen and Peter Sauber were also there to answer fans' questions.

It was the personal contact with the fans that the team appreciated most of all. A slot car race against Mario Theissen? Photographs with Robert Kubica? An autograph from Nick Heidfeld? Small talk with Peter Sauber? None of this was a problem at the Fan Event. Those wanting an even closer taste of Formula One could try their luck as a mechanic at the Pit Stop Challenge, or demonstrate their racing talent in the simulator.

"It is always great fun," said Nick. "It is a very special day. It is nice to meet so many fans, and to be able to give them something back. I love Formula One, and so do the fans. When it comes down to it, it is all about sharing the fun with everyone."

View a Printer Friendly version of this Story.

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon