Excitement for the forthcoming Autosport International show got ramped up a notch this week following the news that former Formula One World Champion Damon Hill we be making an appearance to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his winning year. The star is expected to join a host of celebrity guests from the world of motor racing at the NEC from 14-17 January, and will be taking to the Autosport Stage to relive his most memorable moments from top flight racing.
Hill’s famous victory took place at the wheel of a Williams-Renault FW18, which he will be reunited with at the event. It will take pride of place on a stand dedicated to the British team, which will include a number of other historic racing cars, including its first Formula One car from 1978 and the latest Mercedes-powered FW37 from the 2015 season.
In addition to the Formula One cars, another less conventional star from the paddock will also be on show – the Williams Martini Racing motorhome, which will be constructed away from the circuit for the first time ever. The eight-metre-tall motorhome will remain in place throughout the event, giving racing fans a rare opportunity to see what life is like for drivers behind the scenes at the world’s top circuits.
A number of interactive features have been planned to tell the story of Frank Williams’ team from past to present, while the visitors will also be able to discover more about Williams Heritage, the firm’s historic racing division, which restores and fully supports Williams racing cars for private owners.
“We’re really excited to be such a major part of Autosport International and constructing our motorhome next to the new Autosport Stage will make for an incredible sight,” said deputy team principle Claire Williams. “The show will be a great opportunity for people to learn all about Williams and be a great chance for people to soak up some Formula One atmosphere away from the circuit.”
Ian France, Autosport International show director, said: “Autosport International is certainly shaping up to be one of the best yet, especially with the revamped Autosport Stage with Williams Martini Racing at its heart. For fans of Formula One there’s rarely an opportunity to have this kind of access to the cars and people behind them.”
