AS a former mechanic, James Wade has often been found tinkering with cars in the build-up to major tournaments - but the left-hander went one better ahead of the StanJames.com World Matchplay by getting up close and personal with the Force India F1 team.
Wade was invited as a special guest of Whyte & Mackay, the main sponsor of the Force India team, to spend a day in the pits at Silverstone last week ahead of Formula One's British Grand Prix.
Wade spent the day alongside Force India's mechanics, who gave him an in-depth look into the set-up and workings of one of the world's most powerful vehicles.
He was given a guided tour of the garage as well as the team's trucks in seeing the full operation behind getting drivers Adrian Sutil and Vitantonio Liuzzi on the track and challenging for the chequered flag!
Click here for a Photo Gallery of James Wade's visit to the Force India Formula One team
"It was a great experience and I thank Whyte & Mackay for the opportunity to make a dream come true for me," said Wade, who faces Andy Smith in the first round of the World Matchplay on Sunday night.
"To get the chance to meet the team and work on the cars was an amazing experience.
"Who knows, one day I might achieve a lifetime ambition and get to drive a Formula One car!"
The StanJames.com World Matchplay is being held from July 17-25 at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Limited tickets are still available on 0844 856 1111.
Click here for a Photo Gallery of James Wade's visit to the Force India Formula One team
Pictures courtesy www.suttonimages.com