Indiantelevision.com Team

(19 November 2008 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Johnnie Walker will host Mumbai's first Formula 1 experience on 30 November at Bandra Reclamation. Mika Häkkinen, two-time Formula 1 champion driver with team McLaren, will drive the McLaren MP 4 23 on the streets of Mumbai.

The event will be held between 1 pm and 4 pm at the Bandra reclamation stretch. This will be Mumbaites first opportunity to experience a Formula One demonstration.

Open free to the public, the event will be hosted by Nikhil Chinnapa and Mandira Bedi. The event will lend further excitement, leading up to the 2011 Formula One race in India.

Mika Hakinnen will perform several runs and demonstrations in the Mercedes McLaren F1 car. As part of the initiative, he will also interact with consumers to promote the message of 'Never Drink and Drive'.

Diageo India MD Asif Adil says, "Formula 1 the world over represents an evolved and contemporary lifestyle and is the epitome of technology, fashion and glamour. The Johnnie Walker brand mirrors these attributes. Along with a rich legacy, the brand resonates sophistication, style and substance providing a perfect rationale for the sport and the iconic brand to come together. With this initiative we hope to urge everyone to pledge their support to Join the Pact to Never Drink And Drive."

This initiative from Johnnie Walker comes as part of its' Responsible Drinking initiative to spread the message of never drinking and driving. Responsible Drinking is at the core of the Johnnie Walker Formula 1 sponsorship.

With over 20,000 spectators expected, the aim is to drive home this simple, but essential message. Häkkinen says, "This is a fantastic opportunity to reach out to the public in a new way and reinforce our message of 'Stay in control - never drink and drive.

"I'm thrilled to be coming to this great city of Mumbai and being part of such an excellent campaign. Lewis Hamilton and I feel that any chance we get to drive home this crucial life message to consumers is another great step forward. We urge everyone to Join the Pact and never drink and drive." Mika will urge Mumbaities to make a pact on the campaign website www.jointhepact.com to Never Drink and Drive.

Through this programme, Hakkinen will focus on raising awareness on the importance of designated drivers and promoting anti-drink drive messages.