Co-drive a Jaguar F-TYPE at the Oz F1 GP

When the 2017 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix hits Melbourne in just four weeks, it will be bigger, faster and better than ever.

But while new technical regulation changes set the scene for improved performance and faster lap times, Jaguar Australia has a performance showcase of a different type and you're invited to be part of it.

Located between turns five and six of Albert Park’s lakeside circuit, the Jaguar F-TYPE Supersprint activation will allow all F1 fans to buckle-up for a trackside experience like no other.

On a first come, first served basis, punters will sprint and weave through a 560-metre driving course along Aquatic Drive in a selection of V6- and V8-powered F-TYPEs piloted by a professional driver.

Speaking exclusively to carsales.com.au, Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott said the initiative was part of delivering a ‘something for everyone’ experience to continue growing the appeal of Formula 1.

“If you look at the ownership of F1, the new owners have come in and said it’s all about the brand, the digital experience and the partnerships, and the race weekend experience," he said.

"We’re the only GP in the world that has a four-day experience… so it's about making sure we have things for families, enthusiasts and young event goers.

“If we start in the paddock for instance, we’ve got the Chef’s Collectives – Melbourne’s seven best chefs are going to be serving food in the paddock -- and then we’ve got up close and personal for the F1 enthusiasts the Melbourne Walk, where for the only time in Formula 1 around the world you'll be able to walk along and get autographs, selfies -- you name it -- from Lewis Hamilton to Dan Ricciardo," said Westacott.

Jaguar Land Rover Australia marketing director Kevin Nicholls said it's this type of close encounter that Jaguar hopes to also entice F1 fans with.

“What people want is a dynamic experience, so what we want to do is bring the cars out where the customers are and the fans are to see what it can do," he said.

"We’ll be taking people on a very safe but very dynamic experience -- the thrill of the weekend… off-track at least.

“Jaguar is on the way back if you like from being a bit dormant for a while, and we’ve had a plethora of new product join us over the past two, maybe three years now, so it’s a very exciting time.

"Raising the awareness is a good thing. This is the biggest motoring event in this country — there’s no motor show — so bringing the cars to a place like this is all about generating awareness. Key for us is getting people in the cars… experiencing what the cars are like.

“We might go through a few tyres over the four days,” laughed Nicholls.

F1 AGP race-goers will have the opportunity to slip inside a Jaguar F-TYPE right across the four-day event over March 23-26. Our advice? Get in quick.