F1 roars into Joburg: David Coulthard to thrill fans in Showrun
The #RedBullShowrun is gearing up for Sandton on Sunday. David Coulthard will drive the championship-winning RB7 around Katherine St on the day.
— Morgan Bolton (@FreemanZAR) October 3, 2024
I spoke to him earlier this month on what to expect & F1 in SA ...@IOLsport @IOL @TheStar_news @redbullracing #RedBullEnergy pic.twitter.com/yoMxKwjaZa
David Coulthard has promised Johannesburg “the sights and sounds of F1” when the former driver takes to the streets of Sandton on Sunday during the Red Bull Showrun.
The Scotsman – a veteran of 246 grand prix – will be taking the championship winning RB7 for a spin around Katherine Street on Sunday at the sold-out exhibition, bringing much-needed F1 to South Africans, who have not enjoyed such a spectacle since 2019.
“There will be other forms of motorsport as well, which will supplement the show in-between the times that I cannot be out on the streets with the GP car,” Coulthard explained, referring to the added involvement of KTM stunt rider Aras Gibieza, spinners Sam Sam, Kayla, Sunesh and Vaaitjie, and drifting duo Elias Hountondji and Chris Long.
“It is always spectacular with the motorbike displays and the other assets the team will have. It will be a real celebration of automotive excellence. There will be some music as well in an afternoon of entertainment for the entire family.
“South Africa is an incredible part of the world,” the 53-year-old continued. “We were very well received when we came here and did the event in Cape Town (five years ago).
“There is a history of F1 in South Africa and motorsport generally. It has a big fan base. The fact that we are coming back is an indication of how important SA is for Red Bull.”
Coulthard, meanwhile, will be driving a particularly special Red Bull. The RB7, driven by Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber in 2011, won 12 of the 19 races that year, securing 27 podiums, 18 poles and 10 fastest laps.
It propelled Vettel to his second world drivers’ championship, as well as a second consecutive constructors title for the team.
“The modern GP car,” Coulthard explained, “are bigger and heavier, and have wider wheels and tyres.
“There is a lot more aerodynamic action happening beneath the cars. They have V6 hybrid turbo-engines, and the combination of that can generate a 1000hp.
“The RB7 has got a V8. We don’t have as much power, but the car is lighter – it is 650kg versus 750kg – and that makes a huge difference.
“The RB7 is a great world championship car for its era, but it is also a great car for these types of events. It’s got the soundtrack from the V8. It is smaller and lighter, so it is a bit more nimble.”
When asked which iteration he preferred, Coulthard was magnanimous.
“I drove the RB19 last year, and that is the most successful car in the history of F1,” he said, referring to the Red Bull car that swept aside all contenders last season, “and it was nice.
“But I would rather drive the normally-aspirated era of cars,” he declared, with a smile.
Gates for the Red Bull Showrun Johannesburg open for the event at 11am on Sunday, with the show starting at 1pm.
For more information, visit the Red Bull Showrun Johannesburg website.