Andretti to drive historic Lotuses

Mario Andretti will drive a selection of Formula 1 cars during the GPlive event at Donington Park on May 19/20.

The 1978 world champion is the latest star to commit to the new event, which celebrates the history of grand prix racing, and more are likely to be confirmed soon.

Organiser Richard Morgan said: “We are absolutely delighted that one of the most popular, approachable and eloquent drivers in the history of the sport has agreed to join GPlive. Mario is a legend and an icon, perhaps more so than any other driver. GPlive is all about meeting your heroes and Mario is certainly a hero of mine.”

The 67-year-old former racer is expected to drive several cars from his own Fl days, including a Lotus 77, and has also been offered the chance to sample an ex-Ayrton Senna Lotus 98T.

Sir Stirling Moss, Tony Brooks and John Surtees are among the other racing stars who are already confirmed to appear.

Other features will include a celebration of 40 years of the Cosworth DFV engine during which 40 DFV-powered cars are due to line up on the grid to create a wall of sound. There will also be races for pre-war sports cars — paying tribute to Brooklands in the Track’s centenary year — and for Thoroughbred Grand Prix and the 1.5-litre F1 cars of the 1960s. Sons of the famous will get the chance to drive cars from their fathers’ eras in demonstration runs. Henry Surtees, Freddie Hunt and Alex Brundle are all expected.