08.07.2004 It takes a lot to bring London to a standstill and yet, on Tuesday, this is exactly what happened, when a number of F1 teams, including Ferrari AND Minardi, took to the streets of London's West End

It takes a lot to bring London to a standstill and yet, on Tuesday this is exactly what happened. Regent Street, in the heart of the West End, was closed off to taxis and the famous double-decker buses and their place taken by Formula 1 cars.

The roar of F1 engines was heard along the loop that started in Waterloo Place, went down Regent Street, Great Marlborough Street and Little Argylle Street.

The timing of the event was significant as it came just a few days before the British Grand Prix, which is held this weekend at Silverstone.

Ian Wilder, a Councillor in Westminster City Council, had the original idea for the occasion. His plan was implemented by the Regent Street Association, set up in 1925 to bring together the business of this famous shopping street, and the Crown Estate.

Over 400,000 people poured out of their offices, and until 20.00, they gathered to watch the single seaters in action. As well as Ferrari, some other Formula 1 also teams made an appearance.

The event opened with a procession of road cars and then the F1 machines took the stage one at a time.

Ferrari test driver Luca Badoer got behind the wheel of the Maserati Quattroporte before climbing into the F2003-GA. He revealed that he had enjoyed the day immensely as it was so unusual to see Formula 1 cars driving through the winding London streets.

Other F1 drivers and teams present included, Jenson Button for BAR, David Coulthard for McLaren, Zsolt Baumgartner for Minardi, Cristiano da Matta for Toyota and Juan Pablo Montoya for Williams. Former British F1 stars Nigel Mansell and Martin Brundle also took part.