Hundreds of people turned out to see celebrities and politicians try their hand at eco-driving when the Bridgestone Eco-Rally travelled from Brighton to London’s Hyde Park yesterday (July 7).
F1 fans in particular lined the streets to get a glimpse of F1 heroes, such as Nico Hulkenberg, Eddie Irvine and Patrick Head, just days before the Silverstone Grand Prix.
Other celebrities included Kevin McCloud, Quentin Wilson and Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Chris Huhne.
The Bridgestone Eco-Rally showcased the latest in low and zero emission vehicle technology and included a full range of eco-vehicles from the Gutsi Zero Bus to the Honda CR-Z hybrid. Other vehicles taking part included the Ford Fusion hybrid, Think city car, Tesla Roadster, Ford Focus Econetic, the Cambridge University solar car, the Suzuki Alto and the Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion.
TV motoring journalist, Quentin Willson, said:“Sustainable motoring really has hit the mainstream. The cars we drive and how they’re powered will never be the same again.
“For motorists who want cheaper fuel and energy choices this is only event in the world that showcases just how clever, usable and desirable green cars have become. I’m proud to be celebrating how the massive technological ingenuity of F1 and the global motor industry has made cars the cleanest and most efficient they’ve ever been.”
A free public exhibition at the finish line in Hyde Park provided additional information on eco-transport and introduced hundreds of people to new technologies such as electric motorbikes and solar-powered ferries.
Former F1 racing champion, Eddie Irvine said: “I am delighted to be involved with the Bridgestone Eco Rally. I understand how important it is to combat our CO2 emissions and climate change. Having F1 names on board this year proves that sustainable motoring really has hit the mainstream.”
