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Alonso and Button try out Honda's Uni-Cub mobility scooter

As two of the best racing drivers in the world, Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button have some pretty serious wheels at their disposal. They'll both be driving the latest McLaren-Honda MP4-30 on the track this year, will likely have access to supercars like the new Acura NSX or McLaren 650S for toying around with when they're not working, and probably each have an enviable motor pool of their own at home. This, then, must have been quite a change of pace for them both. As you can see from this video tweeted by McLaren, the two highly accomplished F1 drivers hopped on a very different set of wheels recently: namely, Honda's Uni-Cub "personal mobility device." The experimental electric motorized bar stool is controlled by shifting your weight to and fro (like a Segway), but stands just two feet tall and tops out at less than four miles per hour. At that rate, it would take them almost an hour to take one lap around the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX, where the 2015 United States Grand Prix will be held in October. In that same time span, for perspective's sake, they'd be lapped more than 30 times by their rivals... so they'd better stick to the racing machinery once the championship gets under way. What happened when @alo_oficial and @JensonButton got hold of a UNI-CUBAcA?A¦ https://t.co/YP8r9z1OsG - McLaren (@McLarenF1) February 10, 2015

McLaren Special Operations showing limited-edition 650S at Goodwood

When things get under way at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend, McLaren will be among the automakers revealing new metal. The F1-team-turned-automaker is expected to reveal the GT3 racing version of the new 650S, but will also have a new special edition of the same to show off to prospective buyers and supercar enthusiasts alike. Previewed in concept form just a couple of months ago, the 650S by McLaren Special Operations offers a number of upgrades over the existing supercar. Supervised by Woking's design director Frank Stephenson, the MSO 650S features satin-finish carbon-fiber exterior components, a three-piece rear bumper, a more aggressive rear diffuser, 10-spoke lightweight diamond-cut alloys and an interior decked out in black leather, Alcantara, glossy trim and more satin-finish carbon. Buyers will be able to choose between coupe and Spider in one of three special metallic paint finishes: Agrigan Black (with a ruby red flake) as previewed on the concept, Papaya Spark that reinterprets McLaren's signature orange and the above-pictured Sarigan Quartz silver with "a subtle gold infusion." Regardless of the color or body style, however, only 50 examples of the MSO 650S will be offered, starting at GBP252,500 in fixed-roof form. That represents a premium of more than GBP50,000 ($85k) over the stock 650S, for an approximate US sticker of $350,000. McLAREN SPECIAL OPERATIONS CONFIRMS BESPOKE 650S MODEL TO PREMIERE AT GOODWOOD - Bespoke design inspired by the recent MSO Concept with design collaboration with McLaren Automotive Design Director, Frank Stephenson - Just 50 examples to be available globally - MSO 650S Spider to debut in the Supercar Paddock and on the Hill run at the Goodwood Festival of Speed McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has confirmed production plans for a run of bespoke examples of the McLaren 650S following the strong reaction to the MSO 650S Coupe Concept shown in China earlier this year. Just 50 examples of the MSO 650S will be available globally, available in either a Coupe or Spider bodystyle. The production car will make its global debut, in Spider form, at this summer's Goodwood Festival of Speed in the Supercar Paddock, and will be seen in action taking part in the famous Hill run. The bespoke McLaren Special Operations division was launched in 2011, and offers a full personalisation service for McLaren owners.

World Drone Prix promotes Dubai event by racing a McLaren

While there are plenty of efforts to make drone racing a serious sport, Dubai is determined to outdo them all. It's about to host the World Drone Prix, which will robotic fliers against each other in high-speed (over 62MPH) competition. Over 100 teams will participate in "American Idol-style" qualifiers between March 7th and 8th; the top 32 from that bunch will make it to the actual races on March 11th and 12th. This isn't about to usher in a Formula 1-like pro racing league, but this does have a shot at succeeding where other leagues might struggle. Besides the lavish production values (see the supercar-laden promo video above if you need proof), it's handing out a total of $1 million in prizes, including $250,000 for the winner. Although that pales in comparison to what top-tier race car leagues offer, it's a big enough incentive that it could keep teams coming back for future events.This article by Jon Fingas originally ran on Engadget, the definitive guide to this connected life.