Sometimes, travel, for a few minutes or another, just congeals into one big hedonistic thrill. I arrived in Valencia, Spain on the dime of Tour Spain and Valencia Tourism, to eat paella, drink great wine, and experience the Formula 1 race held there annually. I’ve got to admit, I didn’t know anything about Formula 1, cared a bit less about it, and figured anybody could hop behind the wheel of those flashy cars, do a few laps, and win a trophy if they essentially didn’t screw up.
Then, this happened.
The Best Lap F1 x 3 Experience in Valencia, puts you next to a Formula 1 driver in a modified race car with 2 side seats, testing all of your preconceptions in the 1.8 seconds it takes to get to 97 kph (60 mph). That car, by the way, won the Formula 1 in Brazil in 2004, and would be driven by Felix Porteiro.
I like fast, going fast, and things that are survivable-ly dangerous; so by the time the two-step safety course came around I was practically one big goofy smile. The two main rules seem easy enough, simply lie very low into the seat in case of a flip, and, well, I was so excited I forget the other one. But, it’s not until you completely sign away your life – under any and all circumstances (and I mean any) – that you know two laps around the Circuit Valencia course are going to be fun. With that signature, I was bouncing up and down; a Formula 1 convert and man soon-to-be eating his words in the making.
- The photo above was taken by John O’Nolan; web designer, photographer, and overall awesome guy – thanks!
It’s not the top speed (~360kph) that make these cars so impressive but the acceleration in which they get to them. When you slide down into the car seat, it vaguely feels more like lying down into a coffin than sitting in an automobile. A twinge of claustrophobia sets in as the pit crew straps you in, mumbling a few words the helmets prevent you from understanding. By the time you can comprehend that inaudible mess, a few thumbs-up appear in your peripheral vision. Then you go. And unless you’ve been a jet fighter pilot or partied with Keith Richards, it’s faster than you’ve ever accelerated in your life.
The acceleration is so powerful that I could feel the blood draining from my fingers tips, only to return when the car slowed on turns. The occasional times I decided to peek left or right, my head was stuck in that position until the gears were lowered. When I hopped out of the car about 3 and a half minutes later I felt like I had run the course on foot, not by car.
It’s nearly impossible to leave the experience without acquiring some new appreciation for Formula 1 drivers. Whether it’s the average 3 kilos per race they lose due to dehydration or the incredible strength and stamina required not to succumb to 3-5 G-forces, feeling in this case is believing.
(Those of you reading via email will need to click here to view the video below.)
- PromoTourismo so elegantly captured, among other moments, me speechless after my F1 experience. Check them out PromoTourismo on YouTube.
A ride on the Best Lap F1 x 3 Experience is on par with skydiving as far as adventure travel experiences go, the closest experience I can compare it to. The kind of senseless fun that one relives over and over in their imaginations to capture a slice of the excitement even weeks later. The Best Lap F1 x 3 Experience is currently developing their website but has enough contact information up if you’re interested to learn more or give it a 750 horsepower whirl yourself.
You can see more photos of the track, cars, and the Formula 1 race in my album here.
Wow looks like an awesome ride. The 3 seater F1 car looks pretty cool!
It was incredible, seriously I was screaming with joy when the car took off 😀
Wow! That ride in the Formula 1 car must have been absolutely awesome. I laughed out loud to see the expression on your face when you got out of the car.
I was trying so hard to stay composed as I got out of the car but just couldn’t do it 😀
Are you kidding me this is my kind of adventure outting! Anil you find some of the best stuff looks like a lot of fun. It would have been better if you actually had video of you screaming with joy!
haha, was actually worried the driver would hear me screaming, thinking I was actually having a freak out 😛 Good thing that engine is louder than a plane!
How awesome is that!?!
What an opportunity!
Lots and lots of fun I was lucky to be a part of 🙂
What a thrill! Did you gobble plenty of paella after the ride???
Tons, tons, tons…couldn’t stop eating there! It was a busy week they had planned for us but am thinking of swinging by town again during the long train trip I have planned for September to eat at some recommended places 😉
What do you mean you weren’t too bothered about Formula 1? It’s wonderful! Hope you’re a convert now. Bet you loved going round that track. I’m not into extreme sports but would LOVE to have a go at this. Your face was funny when you got out of the car! 🙂
Julia
I have seen the light now! Guess I was ignorant about how complex it all was. Something like golf on wheels I thought 😛 at least until my head and eyeballs were immobile under the force of the acceleration.
Totally jealous. That’s all I can say.
😀
Same here!
Thats as close as you can get to the Starship Enterprise!
You just gave this Trekkie a huge smile!
I love Formula 1, I have been following it since 92. Didn’t know it was even possible to get a ride with one of these cars, but I will definitely add it to my todo list. Should be an awesome experience to drive around the circuit at 300 km/hr.
The acceleration is something else, a unique experience and sensation. I don’t think you’d regret it if you’re ever in Valencia.
Whoa! What an experience. Alan just watched the video with me. He’s so jealous. And he thought test driving a Ferrari in Italy was the ultimate car experience. Lucky you!
Next time you’re in Valencia Donna put it on your list for you and Alan! I think he’d love it, I’m still smiling thinking about that day 🙂