McLaren’s title-winning MP4-23, driven by Hamilton, is set to unveil its V8 engine in Bahrain this week.

To mark the 20th anniversary of the Bahrain Grand Prix on the F1 calendar, the prince's court has organized a surprise: Lewis Hamilton's 2008 MP4-23 will make an appearance on the track, with Rob Garofall and David Coulthard at the wheel of the McLaren.

“Just like the original,” says Rob Garofall, the McLaren driver who often participates in historic motor racing events. The 52-year-old Englishman will have the opportunity to take the wheel of the McLaren that won several victories in 2008 with Lewis Hamilton at the wheel.

The MP4-23, equipped with a naturally aspirated V8 engine, won six of the 18 races contested that year, a season considered one of the most competitive in F1 history, which ended with Felipe Massa losing the championship in the final corner of the Brazilian Grand Prix.

To celebrate Bahrain's 20th anniversary on the F1 calendar, several classic cars are expected on the track alongside the MP4-23, although the exact list has not yet been confirmed. Garofall has promised that even though he won't be the one driving the car on Saturday before the race, he will take it out for a six-lap warm-up on Wednesday evening to give the V8 a good roar. David Coulthard is expected to drive the McLaren on Saturday, just before the race.