The Formula One Teams' Association, or FOTA, hosts a Fans' Forum in select Grand Prix host cities. It's a unique opportunity for fans to hear from their favorite F1 Drivers, Team Principals and F1 personalities, meet other F1 fans and engage in a Q&A session with panelists. Last year's event was well attended with about 500 fans in attendance, proving F1 is welcome in the United States.
This year, FOTA is changing things up a bit, moving the event to a popular Austin music venue, Cedar Street Courtyard. Fans will again be able to engage with a stellar line up of F1 Drivers and also have the opportunity to collect autographs from the Drivers speaking at the Forum.
Martin Whitmarsh, Chairman of FOTA and Team Principal for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, shares his excitement for the event:
We are delighted to be returning to Austin again, and the enthusiasm and knowledge of the fans at last year’s Fans’ Forum and Grand Prix made it an easy decision to host another Forum in Austin. Fan engagement is extremely important for all the Teams, and we have a great selection of participating drivers, and are excited to be utilising the venue of the Fans’ Fest which also gives us an opportunity to accommodate as many fans as possible.
Yet another great free fan event, guests need to register for FOTA Forum by visiting the FOTA site and entering their email address here. Last year's Forum can be viewed in its entirety on the FOTA site by clicking here.
// DETAILS
FOTA Austin Fans' Forum 2013
Cedar Street Courtyard
208 W. 4th Street, Austin, Texas 78701 (On 4th Street, between Lavaca and Guadalupe streets)
Wednesday, 13 November 2013
5:30-7:30 PM
Free, but registration required: www.fota.co/events
// SERGIO “CHECO” PéREZ
Birthplace: Guadalajara, Mexico
Date of Birth: 26 January 1990
Title: Driver
Team: Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
Website: www.sergioperezf1.com
Twitter: @SChecoPerez
Bio: http://www.mclaren.com/formula1/team/sergio-perez/
Background: Vodafone McLaren Mercedes signed Mexican Sergio Pérez from Sauber for the 2013 season to partner Jenson Button in the MP4-28, with Perez scoring his first points for the team at the 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix.
// ESTEBAN GUTIERREZ
Birthplace: Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
Date of Birth: 5 August 1991
Title: Driver
Team:Sauber F1 Team
Website: http://www.estebanracing.com/
Twitter: @EstebanGtz
Bio: http://www.sauberf1team.com/team/esteban-gutierrez/
Background: Sauber F1 Team signed Mexican Esteban Gutierrez in 2010 as affiliated driver. In 2012 Esteban drove the Sauber C31-Ferrari at the Young Drivers’ Test in Abu Dhabi. He also won 3rd place in the GP2 Series, in 2012 alone he had a total of 7 podium wins.
// ALEXANDER ROSSI
Birthplace: Auburn, California, USA
Date of Birth: 25 September 1991
Title: Reserve Driver
Team: Caterham F1 Team
Website: http://www.alexanderrossi.com/
Twitter: @AlexanderRossi
Bio: http://www.caterhamf1.com/team/drivers/alexander-rossi
Background: The only American F1 driver, Alexander tested for Caterham F1 Team in the rookie tests at the end of 2011 and was the Team's official Test Driver in 2012. He finished 11th in the standings and scored a podium finish at the Formula 1-supporting Monaco Grand Prix event.
// ADRIAN SUTIL
Birthplace: Graefeling, Germany
Date of Birth: 11 January 1983
Title: Driver
Team: Sahara Force India Formula One Team
Website: http://f1.adriansutil.com/home/welcome.html
Twitter: @SutilAdrian
Bio: http://www.forceindiaf1.com/adrian-sutil
Background: Adrian got his break into F1 in 2006 when he joined the Midland F1 team. One of Formula One’s most consistent drivers, Adrian returned this Season to Sahara Force India following five consecutive seasons with the Silverstone-based team between 2007 and 2011.
// PASTOR MALDONADO
Birthplace: Maracay, Venezuela
Date of Birth: 9 March 1985
Title: Driver
Team: Williams F1 Team
Website: http://www.pastormaldonado.com/
Twitter: @PastorMaldo
Bio: http://www.williamsf1.com/Team/AboutUs/Our-People/Pastor-Maldonado/
Background: Venezuelan born Pastor made his F1 debut when he joined Williams F1 for the 2011 season. He was retained by Williams for the 2012 season, helping guide the Team back to the top step of the podium with victory at the Spanish Grand prix, the Team’s first win since the 2004 Brazilian Grand Prix. Pastor is currently in his third Season at Williams.