Heikki opens first ever F1 Second Life experience

[The Stig]

Renault F1 Team driver Heikki Kovalainen officially launched the ING Renault Team's presence in Second Life yesterday, becoming the first F1 Team to have fully interactive Second Life presence. The launch was marked by the first ever live 'virtual' Formula 1 press conference held entirely 'in world' in Second Life, with media and fans in attendance.

"It's been fascinating to take part in the press conference today, and to discover the virtual world of Second Life. As an F1 driver, I am used to speaking to the press a lot, and even to big real-life media conferences, but this was something completely different!” Heikki said after completing his first Second Life experience. “Obviously, the Second Life project is all about finding a new way to meet the fans, and to give them access to the Formula 1 experience.”

“This seems like a great way to do it, allowing people from all across the world to come together in one place, to discuss their passion for our sport. It is really in line with everything else that the ING Renault F1 Team does to try and take our sport out to the people: events like the city demonstration Roadshow I will be taking part in next weekend in Warsaw, for example.”

"I will be really interested to see how the community develops on the team's island, and I am sure I will be making more visits to Second Life in the future!"

The Finn completed a 15-minute Q&A session with Second Life journalists and fans, before taking part in the first official go-kart race on the island's circuit which, naturally, he won comfortably!

The island will open to the public on Friday, 25 May as the ING Renault F1 Team community on Second Life begins to grow.