Red Bull and Renault have joined forces to create a unique race to support the 2011 Formula 1™ Qantas Australian Grand Prix. The confomred drivers are Australian Stars - Daniel Ricciardo from Formula Renault 3.5 and Scuderia Toro Rosso practice and third driver , V8 Supercars dynamo Rick Kelly and motocross legend Robbie Maddison – rounding out the four will be British Formula 1 legend David Coulthard in a five lap race called the 'Red Bull Race Off'.
Renault Australia has built 4 Mégane Renault Sport 250s for the Red Bull Race Off. To make sure that cars meet the strict safety standard they have installed a six-point full roll cage along with a racing window net. Each car will also be fitted with a racing seat along with a 5-point racing harness. In addition, the vehicles will have fire extinguishers fitted. All modifications made to the vehicles are in line with CAMS regulations for the safe operation of the Red Bull Race Off.
Justin Hocevar, managing director of Renault Australia, commented, “We are thrilled to be part of this exciting, innovative event. The Red Bull Race Off highlights the close link between the Renault Formula 1 involvement and the exceptional Mégane Renault Sport 250 that a customer can buy in Australia.
“Renault has an extensive and successful history in motorsport and produces benchmark vehicles in its class. This is a fantastic opportunity for Australian motorsport fans to witness the exceptional race pedigree of the Renault brand.”
V8 Supercars star Rick Kelly said: “Obviously the Formula 1 Grand Prix is always a massively exciting event, but for me it will be even more so this year with the opportunity to race against some of the world’s best drivers in the Red Bull Race Off! It’s a huge privilege to be involved, and I must say although I’m very excited I’m also a bit nervous! I will be giving it my best shot to win – it should be a great spectacle for the crowd and a great event.”
Formula Renault 3.5 driver Daniel Ricciardo said: “I can’t believe I’ll be competing against David Coulthard! Robbie [Maddison] could be a dark horse - in Austria a few years ago, a couple of the Red Bull junior drivers were giving him some tips so I expect him to be on the money. Rick [Kelly] of course is also very talented and a bit more used to the sedans than the rest of us, so he will be the favourite. Should be a fun event – can’t wait for it!”
CarShowroom will be looking forward to seeing these 4 super stars tear up the Albert Park circuit.
