A Grand Prix limousine as the way forward?

Economic motoring is the name of the game. And in Formula One, they are also feeling the pinch. As things currently stand, there will be nine teams and 18 drivers lining up for the start of the 2009 season. The withdrawal of the Honda team in January set a few alarm bells ringing. If even more teams were to drop out for financial reasons, Bernie Ecclestone could have a few problems filling up his grid. In the past, there has been some talk of allowing teams to field three vehicles – but that discussion seems to have gone off the boil since it doesn't address the issue of costs.

One rather extreme solution has emerged from Canada: a GP seven-seater limousine offering space for a driver and six passengers. The project is the brainchild of designer Mike Pettipas. The limousine is based on a Bugatti Veyron and is capable of reaching a top speed of 250mph.

As this idea was concocted in Canada, it is presumably a substitute for the Montreal Grand Prix which didn't make it onto the 2009 calendar. The limousine could serve as an attraction in a theme park somewhere on this crazy planet. That's probably the most suitable venue for this vehicle, as we can't see it managing to corner without straying onto the run-off zones.

%Gallery-43091%