Ex-AFL star Nathan Brown, Nine News sports presenter Clint Stanaway and comedian Dave Thornton, have been revealed as the latest drivers to take to the grid for the Mazda3 Celebrity Challenge, as part of the 2014 Formula 1+é-« Rolex Australian Grand Prix.
Securing their spots as the eighth, ninth and tenth drivers to heat up the Albert Park Circuit from March 13-16, the three drivers will first need to take part in gruelling training before battling it out behind the wheel.
No stranger to competition, AFL star turned media personality, Nathan Brown, is revved up and ready to step into the driver's seat at the Albert Park race track.
"I've always had a passion for fast cars; I did a quick lap with Mark Skaife many years ago - it was incredible," said Brown.
"I'm really looking forward to getting out on the track and driving fast. As long as I do better than Luke Darcy and don't roll my car I'll be happy."
Hoping to prove himself as fierce competition will be Brown's Channel Nine colleague, Sports Reporter, Clint Stanaway.
Stanaway, who is an avid Formula One fan, is hoping to prove to family and friends that he can hold his own on the track.
"When I told my dad I would be driving in the Mazda3 Celebrity Challenge he laughed uncontrollably for a few minutes," said Stanaway.
"I'd love to finish on the podium but failing that, as long as I don't finish last I'll be rapt."
Bringing a lighter side to this year's Mazda3 Celebrity Challenge will be comedian and co-host of Fox FM's Melbourne Breakfast Show, Dave Thornton. In what promises to be a massive year for Thornton, there will be no funny business when this entertainer takes to the track.
"Browny, Stanas and the rest of the field should be worried; I'll be taking no prisoners on the Albert Park track. I mean I'm seriously thinking of going over the 50km speed limit...but only just - I can't afford the speeding fine" joked Thornton.
The Mazda3 Celebrity Challenge will feature 20 vehicles and will bring together celebrities from a wide variety of backgrounds and disciplines to compete at Melbourne's spectacular Albert Park street circuit during the 2014 Formula 1+é-« Rolex Australian Grand Prix.
Confirmed drivers for the 2014 Mazda3 Celebrity Challenge include:
- Lauren Phillips
- Charley Boorman
- Torah Bright
- Rob Mills
- Tim Robards
- Robbie McEwen
- Megan Washington
- Nathan Brown
- Clint Stanaway
- Dave Thornton
Re-designed from the ground up, the All-New Mazda3 adopts the stylish 'KODO - Soul of Motion' design language and the full suite of efficient SKYACTIV Technologies.
Drivers will be better connected than ever before thanks to a new car connectivity system that allows easier access to phone, email and SMS, as well as Stitcher+óGÇP-ó, Aha+óGÇP-ó and Pandora+óGÇP-ó.
Including an Active Driving Display, All-New Mazda3 is on sale now and is expected to be a favourite with Australia's new car buyers.
2014 Formula 1+é-« Rolex Australian Grand Prix - Albert Park - 13 - 16 March
For bookings or more information visit www.grandprix.com.au or www.mazda.com.au
#Madza3CelebGP
Media contacts:
Steve Maciver (Mazda Australia) Ph: +61 03 8540 1961
Natalie Cerny (Australian Grand Prix Corporation) Ph: +61 417 774 193