F1 fans to enjoy a few new treats in Austria

© XPB 

Promoters of the Red Bull Ring are joining F1 in their efforts to bring the sport closer to the fans, with several novel initiatives scheduled for next weekend's Austrian Grand Prix.

The home race for Red Bull's teams will see a raffle draw deliver to three lucky fans a prize-winning ride in F1's official Safety Car driven by Bernd Maylander over the weekend.

But another plum prize for a fan competition will see a winner wave the checkered  after Sunday's race!

The race weekend will feature its usual assortment of entertainment ranging from air displays to concerts, and will include a pitwalk on Thursday afternoon for ticket holders.

Race organizers will also recruit 22 young mascots - one for each driver - for Sunday's driver parade, while all children under 14 will enjoy free access to the track as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

The race's traditional demo parade of classic racers will showcase nine Le Mans cars, with ex-F1 drivers Jean Alesi, Gerhard Berger and Mark Webber on hand out on the track.

Red Bull's Helmut Marko will also be honoured next weekend at his home venue, taking a Porsche 917K similar to the one in which he won Le Mans in 1971 for a spin.

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