In message , Richard J.
writes
What is the actual purpose of this event, and why is being allowed to
disrupt the commercial life of central London again, just a week after a
Tube strike?

It seems to be a "proof of concept" for a possible future London Grand
Prix on city streets (like Monaco).

Is there perhaps a charity that will benefit, or is it
just to inject some interest into the Schumacher-led procession on
Sunday, otherwise known as the Silverstone Grand Prix?

No doubt they'll advertise Silverstone, and the timing (with all the
drivers already in the country) is fairly predictable.
--
Roland Perry