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Williams Formula 1 sleepover competition gets approval

Formula 1's new owner has approved a unique competition for fans to sleep in the Williams garage the night before this year's British Grand Prix.

Since taking over the running of F1, Liberty Media has been keen to boost fan engagement and make the championship more accessible than during the Bernie Ecclestone era.

F1 is introducing a series of new initiatives at this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, including revamped fan zones and a competition to win a ride in a two-seater F1 car.

Williams sponsor Martini came up with the sleepover idea and, in partnership with Airbnb, asked the team whether it felt it would be possible to achieve.

The team liked the idea and put it forward to Liberty, as it required approval given restrictions on passes and access.

Formula One Group granted permission relatively quickly in a process that it is believed would have been far more challenging, if not impossible, under the old management.

As a result, two fans will have the chance to sleep in the Williams garage, alongside the FW40s that Lance Stroll and Felipe Massa will race the following day at Silverstone.

The winners will be hosted by deputy team principal Claire Williams during the weekend before meeting Massa and some of the team's mechanics and engineers.

Zdroj: autosport.com