Pole Position with Lewis Hamilton at Anti Drink-Drive Event

Exclusive interview with British Formula 1 sensation as he prepares for iconic Monaco Grand Prix

After his astonishing first season in Formula 1 Lewis Hamilton started the 2008 Championship with an encouraging victory in the Australian GP. Ferrari rivals then hit back and took four consecutive wins, two each for Massa and Raikkonen, but the excellent second place obtained by Hamilton in the Istanbul Grand Prix gave new energy to the British driver, who is now ready for the challenge at the iconic Monaco Grand Prix.

Ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix weekend (Friday 23 May), Lewis Hamilton joined former McLaren Mercedes driver Mika Häkkinen to unveil a prototype of The Pact simulator as the latest tool in Johnnie Walker's programme to promote Responsible Drinking. The Pact simulator, in the form of a futuristic pod, will provide consumers with a practical demonstration to remind them of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol in a controlled virtual environment.

The simulator is based on software developed by Systems Technology Inc., a US company that provides driving simulation programmes for driver education and law enforcement agencies. The prototype software is still in development and, when complete, will allow consumers to experience in a virtual world the impacts of alcohol on the ability to drive.

Lewis Hamilton commented: "Mika and I want to use the public profiles we've gained through F1 to raise awareness of the importance of a making a personal commitment to never drinking and driving. We know that through F1 and the sport of motor racing, fans all over Europe and the world will hear this critical message and commit to never drink drive."

Lewis continued: "At McLaren we use the concept of simulators to model different scenarios towards the maximum performance in a safe environment. The Pact simulator will enable people to see for themselves how alcohol impacts the ability to drive. I think the role we play is a bit like dropping a pebble in a pond - if we can start a ripple that gets the message across to a wider audience, well that has to be success in my view."

The campaign will be formally launched in Europe later this year, encouraging consumers to make a pact with Mika and Lewis never to drink drive.

Produced for Diageo