The Regent Street Association has today confirmed that Formula 1 is coming to Regent Street.

Between 6pm and 8pm on Tuesday 6 July, 2004 the glamour and excitement of Formula 1 motor racing will be brought to the heart of London’s West End. The event, the brainchild of Ian Wilder, Councillor, Westminster City Council, is produced by Harvey Goldsmith CBE in association with the Regent Street Association and The Crown Estate.

In the run up to the British Grand Prix, to be held at Silverstone the following weekend, the cars anticipated to parade along Regent Street are:

BAR-Honda

BMW WilliamsF1

Ferrari

Jaguar

Jordan

Minardi

Team McLaren Mercedes

Toyota

Comments David Shaw, Head of Regent Street’s strategy and development: “Regent Street is an international shopping destination and its brand values of quality, heritage, style and success are a perfect match with the global brand of Formula 1.”

Harvey Goldsmith CBE comments: “This is a fantastic opportunity for London to see the Gladiators of Sport – Formula 1 cars in action. This event is a major achievement for Regent Street and an attraction that will draw attention worldwide.

“This event has taken a lot to put together and it is down to the hard work of The Crown Estate, Regent Street Association, Westminster City Council’s Special Events department as well as my own logistics team Bernie Ecclestone has also been a strong supporter right from the beginning. Set just before the British Grand Prix at Silverstone it will add to the case that we are capable of producing world beating events such as the Olympic Games.”

According to Annie Walker, Director of Regent Street Association, “This is such a wonderful opportunity for not only to give a huge boost to retailing but also for the general public to see at first hand Formula 1 in action.”

Comments Simon Milton, Leader of Westminster City Council: “Westminster is delighted to be hosting the F1 experience. It is one of a number of initiatives that we hope will continue to attract Londoners and visitors to the heart of one of the world’s greatest Cities.”

The event will necessitate the closing of roads in the surrounding area in addition to Regent Street on Tuesday 6 July, 2004. Regent Street will be closed to private vehicles (and taxis) from 10am to 1am and for buses from 3pm to 11pm.

The organisers advise that vehicle owners avoid the area and use alternative routes.

t is also advised that visitors, in particular children, should bring/wear ear plugs.

All proceeds from the event will go to the arts in Westminster.