Williams in Rotterdam

Formula One broke the silence of the summer break on Sunday when the BMW WilliamsF1 Team hit the streets of Rotterdam and re-awoke the Netherlands' passion for the sport.

Known as "Monaco on the Maas," the event boasted a host of motorsport demonstrations, including cars from Le Mans and the Historic Grand Prix series. Topping the bill, though, was a 2004 Williams BMW FW26, driven by Dutch born Chinese racer, Ho-Pin Tung and the two Minardi's of Christjian Albers and Robert Doornbos.

In his FW26, Ho-Pin Tung wowed the 500,000-strong crowd when he took to the 3.4km temporary street circuit in the heart of Rotterdam, marking the first time Formula One has visited the city. Despite torrential rain, enthusiasm for "Monaco on the Maas" could not be dampened, with the Formula One pilots receiving standing ovations for their efforts in the driving rain.

Of the experience, Tung commented, "This really was one of the most amazing events I've had the privilege to be a part of. I tested the Williams BMW in 2003, but this is totally different. To demonstrate the magic of a Formula One car in front of your home fans is truly special and won't be something I'll ever forget."

The Rotterdam event was the third time the team has taken the F1 car out of its natural environment of the race track and displayed the spirit of Formula One in front of a city audience.

Ahead of this year's Australian season opener, Mark Webber pounded the concrete of Sydney Harbour Bridge and downtown Melbourne on behalf of the BMW WilliamsF1 Team. Similar events are in the pipeline, including potential demonstrations in Edinburgh and Singapore later in the year.

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