Jenson to burn rubber at festival
Reigning Formula One world champion Jenson Button can expect a hero's welcome when he gets behind the wheel at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The British star's attendance at the event on July 2-4 was confirmed at yesterday's media launch - and organisers are optimistic that his McLaren team-mate and 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton will also be at Goodwood to take on the famous hillclimb and thrill the huge crowds.
Lord March revealed that other F1 teams due to be at the festival include Ferrari, Red Bull and Williams. The new Mercedes GP team will also be there - but there is no word on whether Goodwood will be able to entice seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, in his comeback year, to join in the fun.
Meanwhile, rally enthusiasts can look forward to seeing French star Sebastien Loeb kicking up dust in the forest and bike fans can get close to Giacomo Agostini and Kevin Schwantz.
The launch of the Goodwood motorsport season was like a mini festival, with 80 cars and bikes going up the famous hillclimb. The Royal Navy Black Cats helicopter display team entertained in the air, while 12-times world trials champion Dougie Lampkin performed some of his trademark stunts in front of the stately home.
Famous faces included Le Mans and F1 legend Jacky Ickx, plus fellow racers Richard Attwood, Jochen Mass and Jackie Oliver. Modern day motorsport was represented by Aston Martin racer Darren Turner and the BBC's F1 commentator Jonathan Legard, just back from the Bahrain Grand Prix.
There was also excitement at the appearance of the new McLaren supercar, the MP4-12C, which came straight from its global launch at the company HQ in Woking.
The festival theme for 2010 is Viva Veloce! - The Passion For Speed, celebrating Italy's fascination with motor racing and its global influence on the sport.
Special celebrations will include Alfa Romeo's centenary, plus 60 years of the Formula One world championship.
Lord March said: 'The festival is now the biggest celebration of car culture in the world,'
A new element at the festival this year will be an Aviation Show zone, while Lord March also revealed that guitar heroes and car fans Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top, Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck are set to be at the festival - and might even have a jam.
The Goodwood Revival historic race meeting on September 17-19 will celebrate 50 years since car and bike world champion John Surtees started his four-wheeled career – at Goodwood.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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