Alonso heads F1 matadors to Goodwood

Formula One World Championship leader Fernando Alonso heads the list of superstars lined up for this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The Spaniard, who took his third win on the trot after a thrilling battle with Michael Schumacher in the San Marino Grand Prix, will drive one of last year’s Renault R24 F1 racers during the final day of the event, which takes place on June 24-26.

Among the other contemporary F1 teams, Ferrari, McLaren-Mercedes and Williams-BMW have pledged to attend with up-to-date cars, although none has yet nominated a driver. BAR will be there in force to celebrate ‘Honda’s 40 Years of Grand Prix Success’: race-team members Takuma Sato and Jenson Button will drive on Saturday and Sunday respectively, while reserve driver Anthony Davidson will also be present. Adding further to the Honda theme is the first appearance at the Festival of Alain Prost, who will drive his 1989 world title-winning McLaren-Honda MP4/5.

Red Bull-Cosworth and Toyota will be there too, with David Coulthard and Olivier Panis respectively.

Don’t miss Motor Sport’s full preview to the Festival of Speed in our July issue, on sale on June 17.