The Dublin-based digital agency vStream has created an online “Mission Control”, an interactive video website which gives motor racing fans around the world exclusive access to the nerve centre of one of the world’s most successful Formula 1 teams.
Launching in time for the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang, Malaysia this Sunday, Online Mission Control will give F1 fans unprecedented behind the scenes access to the McLaren team throughout the course of the 2014 season.
Using vStream Group’s ‘clickable video’ platform, where users can click on items within videos to find more information, the website will unlock new content for each race, allowing fans to learn about the workings of the McLaren team, and how their partner SAP is providing the technology to help the team run better and predict the future.
Motor racing fans will be able to interact with the 2014 McLaren Mercedes car, and learn about the key differences for the new season. They will also be able to gain interactive access to the race tracks, trophy cabinet, and engage in an interactive onboard lap with 2009 world champion, Jenson Button. The content will be updated on a race-by-race basis, with access to never before seen footage, as well as insights from key McLaren team members thought the season.
Fans must sign-up through Facebook or by providing an email address to access the content, and are rewarded for their engagement, with points awarded for watching videos, sharing content, and engaging in interactive quizzes. After each race, selected fans will be rewarded with McLaren Mercedes merchandise, including items signed by Jenson Button, and new team mate Kevin Magnussen.
Mission Control Online is hosted by sports presenter, Kirsteen O’Sullivan, who will guide fans through the season, and helps them win more points. At the end of the season, the most active fans will get a chance to win ‘a money can’t buy’ exclusive tour of the jewel in McLaren’s crown, the McLaren Technology Centre.
Speaking about the launch of Mission Control Online, Andrew Jenkinson, co-founder of the vStream, says “this initiative is a dream for technology and F1 fans. McLaren is the gold standard in performance and innovation, and SAP is providing amazing technology to the McLaren Group. This website really brings to the forefront the partnership between these two incredible companies. The access that users are permitted to have to this level content has never been seen before in Formula 1. As a motorsport fan, I am so excited to bring something like this to the market, as it will draw McLaren’s global fan base closer to the team.”
vStream Group developed the site in conjunction with UK partner Right Formula, the leading force in Formula 1 sponsorship activation.
vStream’s co-founder, Niall O’Driscoll adds, “this really is the ideal partnership for us. Right Formula is second to none in its expertise in Formula One sponsorship activation. The vStream Group are world leaders in interactive content and creativity, and the combination of these skills result in initiatives that drive real fan engagement and return on investment for our clients. This is the first of many exciting initiatives we will launch with our UK partners Right Formula, and we are extremely excited about the future with them.”
F1 fans can visit the site is at http://onlinemissioncontrol.com
