Driving Formula cars
A good friend of mine booked a day with formula cars for me, because he feels that those street cars are kind of boring. (Actually he wanted to get me into a MIG 29, but it seems, that they are out of service at the moment. If someone already did that, I'd very much like to read your experience).
Back to the topic - the day was split in three parts. First part was basic theory, where topics like weight transfer, degressive braking, correct cornering, missing nannies und left foot braking where explained - mainly to prevent drivers from killing themselves immediately. I do have some track experience, but there is always something you can learn.
Second part was driving in a Formula Renault (around 210 bhp/500kg) to get used to the unusual seating position, left foot braking, slicks and what they call "clutch" which is like 5mm from fully open to fully closed.
I would have never believed how much fun it is to drive these cars, way more than anything else I've driven before. Acceleration is ok though not amazing, but driving curves with warm tires is like running on rails.
Third part of the day was driving a GP2 car (650bhp, 700kg, carbon brakes). Actually the event is announced for driving a F1 car, but for reasons I don't want to get into, they were not available
What should I say ? I'm still totally flashed from that experience. The speed, the grip, the brakes and the sound are from a different planet. I had to laugh in every corner, because the speed and sensation were so unreal. Still the car was "easy" to drive for me (likely less than 50% of what the car is capable of). In one situation I hit the brake too hard at the end of a long straight (the brake can decelerate the car with 4g ) when the rear went loose and decided to take a different direction, but was very easy to get back. Seating position is sort of comfortable also, which I didn't expect - well it's not like the 18way sofa seat in my Turbo, but I can image sitting in there for an hour or so.
If you are interested in track racing and never drove such a beast I highly recommend to do so. But beware, you may become as addicted as I am now.
- Rick
PS: There are also some aspects of that particular event I didn't like too much. PM me if you are interested
I want friends like that! I read some reports of people who did that already some 10-15 years ago, and they were absolutely stunning. There are quite some movies about it on youtube as well... I would say go for it! But if you do, you'll have to post more than a couple of pictures! 
