We don’t know how lucky we are having the Goodwood Festival of Speed on our doorstep - really, if you get the chance to go then do so, as there’s really nothing else like it in the world.
Next weekend (3rd - 5th July) over 75 of the greatest motor racing drivers and riders will be present at the world’s largest celebration of motoring culture, with more big names expected to follow over the coming week.
For the first time in its 17 years history, the Festival of Speed will be attended by both the reigning Formula One and WRC World Champions. Formula One ace and Goodwood regular Lewis Hamilton will be on hand to entertain the Festival crowds, as will five-times WRC champion and festival rookie Sebastian Loeb.
Goodwood will be helping to make Hamilton’s dream come true. He will demonstrate the 1988 McLaren-Honda MP4/4 turbo, as driven by his hero Ayrton Senna, up the famous 1.16-mile Festival of Speed hillclimb.
The current 2009 season Formula One championship leader Jenson Button is also confirmed for Goodwood, as are fellow F1 drivers Mark Webber and Timo Glock. In all six of the current-season F1 teams including McLaren, Ferrari, Williams, Toyota and Red Bull, plus the new Brawn GP team will be present.
Joining Sebastian Loeb in action on the Goodwood Forest Rally Stage will be a who’s who of rallying legends, including Walter Rohl, Bjorn Waldegaard, Stig Blomqvist, Hannu Mikkola, and Rauno Aaltonen.
Two-wheel heroes in action up the Goodwood Hill are set to include former World Champions Mick Doohan and Max Biaggi.
Famous names from motor racing’s past at the Festival will include Sir Stirling Moss, Jackie Stewart, Eddie Irvine, David Coulthard, Dan Gurney, Derek Bell, Damon Hill, Jacky Ickx and John Surtees.
All that plus arguably (but who could argue?) the most beautiful racing car of all time, the Porsche 917.
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