But for two days this week, commuters will get to do the next best thing because Royal Bank of Scotland has installed a full-sized Williams Cosworth F1 simulator in the station entrance hall.
The former test car shell, which even has a detachable steering wheel, is linked to a computer which allows racers to pit their skills against the high-speed curves of Silverstone.
All times are logged and the fastest racer to pass through Piccadilly by the end of today will win £75 and a bottle of champagne.
The simulator was brought in to generate publicity for the bank's new branch on Hardman Boulevard off Gartside Street, in Spinningfield, which will be officially opened on January 25.
Manager Jamie Black said: "The simulator always pulls a crowd and it's a great way to get the message across and give people the chance to do something that most of them will never do."
The bank, which is offering new customers a £50 bonus to switch accounts, is a major sponsor of the Williams Cosworth team for the 2006 F1 season which begins in March.
Tweet
