Lead singer for the Kaiser Chiefs band and Honda Civic Type R ambassador Ricky Wilson got to spend some time with McLaren-Honda Formula 1 driver Jenson Button at the McLaren Technology Center.
This get-together was supposed to happen a lot sooner, as Jenson invited The Voice coach and Radio X DJ to their state-of-the-art facility in Woking back in June during the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Because of the pairs busy schedule however, the tour took place only recently.
Wilson got to see the Formula 1 facility, the road car production line as well as the on-site wind tunnel before being put to the test in the F1 simulator – where Jenson prepares for each Grand Prix, tweaking and refining his Honda-powered McLaren’s set-up before the weekends.
“I am so glad Jenson had gone by the time I got into the simulator as I don’t think the boys at McLaren had ever seen anyone roll it before now,” said Ricky Wilson after having a go at the Circuit Of The Americas, home of the US Grand Prix.
“When it comes to toys, they don’t come any bigger or better than that and I feel extremely lucky to be one of the very few people to have experienced it. I thought my Civic Type R was quick but that is a whole new level.”
Wilson added that “becoming an ambassador for the Civic Type R has been fantastic. I’m doing some amazing things and going to some amazing places, like the MTC. From earning my race licence up at Knockhill with 2015 BTCC champion Gordon Shedden to taking on the Goodwood hillclimb this summer at the Festival of Speed to experiencing the wonder of the McLaren Technology Centre; every day I am loving it more and more!”
Well, Button commented, he could return the favor: “He owes me VIP backstage passes to the next big gig he does and I am not taking no for an answer!”
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