Formula 1 at Duxford

Formula1 cars first started being tested at the IWM at Duxford in 2009. The testing of F1 cars is a highly specialised activity, and the IWM is paid for the use of the runway.
Since then a number of different F1 teams have used the track, starting with Renault (see left) and their activity is subject to a protocol agreed with the South Cambs District environment officers, and the local parish councils.

This includes the time that the testing can start and finish, duration and break-times, and noise monitoring. I have been talking to the environment officers and I am pleased that the racing teams and the IWM are being considerate of local requirements.
For example, the testing that was due to take place on 15 May was delayed in the morning as local schoolchildren were taking their SATS exams. I have asked that there is noise assessment done during the next test day, on 19 June, so that the situation is kept under review. But so far, this has worked reasonably well for four years.  

IWM Duxford - not too bad as neighbours

Quick canvassing in Burma Rd this afternoon dodging the April showers. General view was the IWM tries to be a good neighbour, and most people quite like its iconic status - and rather it than a load of new houses, thanks.
Tho not that keen on the F1 tests - and not looking for any more than the current number of days - people recognise the need for the museum to diversify its income streams. And for youngsters having Lotus turn up is pretty cool.
Oh - and there's a walnut tree that may be becoming a hazard, so I'll get the district's tree officer to take a look.

Formula 1 on Sept 1st

Another day of F1 testing coming up - I'm asking the Duxford IWM if the numbers of test runs proposed for the day quoted in the Cambridge News is accurate, as it seems a lot.
Maybe the News got the sums wrong. I'll check.

duxford formula 1

Went to see the film "Senna" about Ayrton Senna. I saw him win the Macau Grand Prix in 1983. Brilliant film, brilliant driver.

The Lotus Renault team will be testing their car at Duxford Air Museum on Friday 1 July. Under agreement with South Cambs district council there is a limit to the number of laps and there will be some breaks in the day's testing.

Formula 1 testing back at Duxford - 27th April

Just got notice that Team Lotus will be holding a single full day of testing on 27 April. This is a different team than Renault who were doing the testing two years ago - this is me asking questions of the test manager at the time.
Under the terms of the testing agreement which South Cambs District Council brokered, the test car is entitled to operate between 0800 and 1800 hours, with a break in the middle of day.
Have to see how it goes - it will certainly boost visitor numbers to the museum.