RED BULL SHOWRUN ELECTRIFIES JOHANNESBURG WITH F1 RACING LEGEND DAVID COULTHARD 

Johannesburg, 6 October 2024 – The streets of Sandton were brought to life today as 25 000 motorsport fans gathered to witness the exhilarating Red Bull Showrun. The iconic Katherine Street in Sandton transformed into a roaring motorsport arena, with the Oracle Red Bull Racing RB7, Formula 1 car driven by British legend David Coulthard, at the heart of the action. This unforgettable event marked the return of a Formula 1 car to Johannesburg after many years.

 

David Coulthard, a former Red Bull Racing driver and a 13-time Grand Prix winner, was at the helm of the 2011 championship-winning RB7, captivating the crowd with high-speed runs, burnouts and doughnuts. The sound of the RB7’s engine, which produces 750 horsepower and can reach up to 18 000 RPM, reverberated across Sandton.

 

“It’s always special to bring Formula 1 to the streets and engage with fans in such an up-close and personal way. Driving the RB7 here in Johannesburg was incredible—the energy from the crowd was electrifying,” said Coulthard after completing his first run. “The enthusiasm for motorsport in South Africa is palpable, and it’s a privilege to be part of that excitement.” 

 

The Oracle Red Bull Racing RB7, one of the most dominant Formula 1 cars in history, clinched 18 out of 19 pole positions and won 12 races during the 2011 season, securing both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. The car’s presence in Johannesburg allowed fans to experience the thrill of Formula 1, offering a taste of the speed and precision that makes the sport so exhilarating.

 

Aside from Coulthard’s breathtaking performance, the event featured an array of spectacular local and international side acts that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats throughout the day. German drift sensation Elias Hountondji, one half of the famous ‘Red Bull Driftbrothers’, showcased his world-class drifting skills in a series of heart-pounding stunts. Hountondji, who is not only a professional drifter but also a trained aerospace engineer, thrilled fans with his precise control and daring manoeuvres on the tight city circuit.

 

Local spinners Samkeliso “Sam Sam” Thubane, Vaatjie and Katjia wowed the crowds with their tyre-burning antics and Lithuanian motorbike stunt rider Arūnas ‘Aras’ Gibieža also took to the streets. Known for his gravity-defying tricks and flawless control, Gibieža pulled wheelies, stoppies and burnouts. His and local stunt-riding hero, Brian Capper kept the audience engaged and added to the festival-like atmosphere in between the car runs. For newly signed Red Bull athlete, Sam Sam, it was a special day. “It was amazing to see the South African motorsports fans come out and enjoy all the different vehicle styles and drivers,” he commented. “Also, for me to be on the same ‘track’ and stage as David Coulthard was amazing. We put on a good show!”