F1 adds massive London event

Formula 1 will host a major event in London on Wednesday afternoon as part of Liberty Media's attempts to bring the sport closer to the fans.

F1 Live London will see a demonstration around Trafalgar Square and Whitehall in Central London, which owners Liberty Media say "will also mark the first time in Formula 1 history that all 10 teams have come together outside of a race weekend to put on a show for the public."

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The event starts at midday with an F1 Schools and Innovation Showcase, including information regarding Formula Student and Dare To Be Different to educate young fans on the careers available in motorsport. Then at 5:30pm all 10 teams will be present with showcars and a demonstration run along Whitehall to Trafalgar Square and back.

The majority of drivers will be making appearances at F1 Live London as well as leading figures within the sport, with F1's managing director of commercial operations, Sean Bratches, saying it will demonstrate how Liberty intends to engage more with fans.

"F1 Live London is the most striking example yet of Formula 1's evolution this year," Bratches said. "We feel there is no better way to celebrate the exciting season we have had so far than to have this landmark event in London on the eve of the British Grand Prix. This is all about giving our fans the opportunity to get closer to the teams, cars and drivers they love."

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, says it is an opportunity for the United Kingdom to acknowledge its position as the home of F1 ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix, with seven of the ten teams based in England.

"F1 Live London is a brilliant opportunity to show young people in our city that learning about science and engineering can provide them with fantastic careers, and can be great fun," Khan said. "It will also bring fans of all ages and backgrounds together to celebrate a sport they are passionate about and in which Britain is a world leader."

The event comes with the future of the British Grand Prix in doubt, with Silverstone's owners - the British Racing Drivers Club - set to announce its decision to activate a break clause in the contract to host the race that will come into effect after the 2019 edition.