Formula One race driver Lewis Hamilton will zip down Marine Drive in his McLaren Mercedes MP4-27 car here on September 16.
The British F1 driver will take to the streets in the evening, running his car along the curves of the illuminated Queen’s Necklace, which would be made to look like an F1 race track complete with a grandstand and pit garage. It will be Hamilton’s second street racing experience in India, having burned rubber in Bengaluru last year, according to a statement Wednesday.
“I always love coming to India and I am really excited to be coming to the city of Mumbai this time. I am simply overwhelmed by the incredible excitement shown by the people of this country. I had a wonderful experience last year and this year I am hoping that the excitement will be faster, smarter and better in Mumbai,” Hamilton said.
For the event, the authorities plan to close the arterial road to motorists for a few hours before the event. There are also plans to set up helmet simulators, car simulators and to get oneself clicked with a replica of the F1 car.
Neither the traffic police nor the organisers were willing to explain how traffic would be managed on the day. When JCP (traffic) Vivek Phansalkar was contacted, he refused comment. Mumbai police spokesperson Nisar Tamboli said he didn’t know whether Marine Drive would be shut during the event.
“We have got all the desired permissions required to carry out an event of this stature on Marine Drive. All arrangements are being made to ensure that the event takes place smoothly. We cannot divulge any information at this point of time. All other details will be made public in due course of time.”