Grapevine: Alonso to Run F1 Car in Istanbul

With the country hosting its first Grand Prix in August, Renault have decided to stir up the country's growing interest in F1 by holding one of their Roadshow events on May 15.

"I don't know Istanbul, but I am looking forward to going there, and I am pleased to have this unique opportunity to drive my F1 car in the streets of such an historic city," said Alonso. "The Renault F1 Roadshow in Madrid two years ago is an unforgettable memory for me, and I am sure it will be the same in Istanbul.

"I am looking forward to being able to meet the Turkish fans at an event like this, where they can get close to the action - so that we can really share the excitement of our sport with them."

The Renault demonstration will take place at the Sultanahmet hippodrome, with the Renault F1 car being joined by a host of historic racing machinery.

Ibrahim Aybar, Managing Director of Renault MAIS, said: "Interest in F1 in Turkey is growing every day. I would like to thank the Governor and Mayor of Istanbul for giving us the opportunity, three months ahead of the inaugural Turkish Grand Prix, to present this unique spectacle to the public.

"The Roadshow is proof of how determined we and the Renault F1 Team are to take F1 to the spectators, and get them involved in this exciting sport. I hope the public will turn out in force to share the experience with us."

Giancarlo Fisichella took part in the most recent Renault F1 Roadshow in Rome last weekend.