2024 Festival Of Speed Concludes With High-Octane Motorsport Celebrations

Published: Monday, July 15, 2024, 16:36 [IST]

Oracle Red Bull Racing marked 20 years in Formula 1 with drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez appearing on the balcony on Sunday, joined by Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner. Romain Dumas clinched the Shootout victory in the Ford Supervan 4.2, clocking a time of 43.98 seconds. The monumental Central Feature celebrated MG’s centenary, while the event's theme, ‘Horseless to Hybrid: Revolutions in Power,’ acknowledged advancements in motorsport and automotive technology.

The Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard brought together legendary drivers and riders, showcasing an impressive array of cars and motorcycles with numerous premieres and debuts. Renowned for featuring iconic motorsport figures, the 2024 Festival of Speed welcomed both current and former Formula 1 teams, drivers, and cars. Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrated its 20th anniversary with an impressive lineup of drivers from its history.

Making his Festival of Speed debut this year, three-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen drove the RB16B on Sunday. He was joined by teammate Sergio Pérez and Team Principal Christian Horner, along with former Red Bull drivers David Coulthard, Christian Klien, Daniel Ricciardo, and Mark Webber. Fans had the chance to see these seven drivers who collectively hold 97 Formula 1 race wins.

In addition to Oracle Red Bull Racing's celebrations, five other current Formula 1 teams were present: BWT Alpine F1 Team, Scuderia Ferrari HP, McLaren Formula 1 Team, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, and Williams Racing. Spectators flocked to meet drivers like Alex Albon, Fernando Alonso, Oliver Bearman, Jack Doohan, Logan Sargeant, Yuki Tsunoda, Frederik Vesti, Sophie Flörsch, Kush Maini, and James Vowles throughout the weekend.

On two wheels, Michael Dunlop rode his 2024 IOM TT Superstock bike alongside John McGuinness and Peter Hickman. Dunlop also celebrated his recent Isle of Man TT victory with a moment on Goodwood House's balcony on Saturday. Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Richard Petty attended with his famous 1970 Plymouth Superbird driven by son Kyle as they celebrated their family's 75 years in motorsport.

Other notable attendees included Iron Dames Julie Amblard, Karen Gaillard, Célia Martin and Sarah Rumeau; Giacomo Agostini; Karun Chandhok; Mick Doohan; Elfyn Evans; Damon Hill; Jacky Ickx; Sebastian Ogier; Emanuele Pirro; Kenny Roberts Senior and Junior; Kalle Rovenperä; Carlos Sainz Senior; Kevin Schwantz.

Central Feature

This year’s Central Feature at Goodwood House celebrated MG’s centenary with a daily extravaganza featuring Gerry Judah’s sculpture showcasing the Cyberster EV roadster and MGB. These cars represented MG’s past and present perfectly illustrating the ‘Horseless to Hybrid’ theme that highlighted technological advancements over the last 130 years.

World-Exclusives

Visitors witnessed global marques unveiling their latest projects including debuts like the new Porsche 911 BMW M5 BMW XM Label Red BYD SEAL U DM-I Defender OCTA All-Electric Ford Capri Honda Civic Type R Jaecoo J7 Maserati M20 Pagani Epitome Pagani Imola Roadster RB17 Yangwang U8 among others.

A Step into the Future

The Future Lab presented by Randox showcased ‘Technology for a Better World’ featuring exhibitors grouped into themes like ‘Protecting the Planet’, ‘Robots to the Rescue’, ‘Future of Flight’, and ‘Our World in Pixels’. Entrepreneurs like Dronamics Drone City Performit Live sees.ai Shadow Robot collaborated with Google DeepMind on their latest robotic hand.

Forest Rally Stage

The Forest Rally Stage saw current and former rally drivers competing through Goodwood Estate’s trees. Aoife Raftery drove a Peugeot 208 T16 R5 while Iron Dames brought their Ford Fiesta Rally2. Other cars included Steve Chamberlain’s Ford Fiesta R5 Proton IRIZ R5 driven by Elfyn Evans Dani Sordo in Toyota Yaris Rally1 Hybrid Hyundai i20N WRC respectively.

Cartier Classics

The Cartier Style et Luxe concours d’elegance featured beautiful vehicles celebrating automotive design restoration marking significant anniversaries. The 'Best in Show' was awarded to the 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Corsica judged by Thomas Brodie-Sangster David Gandy Kenya Hunt Mai Ikuzawa Flavio Manzoni Marek Reichman Micheal Ward Adrian van Hooydonk.

Bonhams|Cars Auction

The Bonhams|Cars Auction saw unique vehicles go under hammer Friday afternoon highlights included £2871000 Mercedes-Benz S-Type Four-Seated Sports Tourer £1135000 Mercedes-Benz Gullwing Coupé £1045400 Mercedes-Benz Roadster total sale reached £11035691 highest for Bonhams|Cars UK sale date.

Surtees Pavilion Dining Experience

The Surtees Pavilion offered uninterrupted views of Goodwood hillclimb collaborating Michelin-starred restaurant HIDE Co-Founder Executive Chef Ollie Dabbous provided modern twist classic dining showcasing best produce from Goodwood Estate local area.

Event Charity Support

This year’s Festival supported Two Wheels for Life charity transforming healthcare across Africa using motorcycles volunteers shared details incredible work vehicles used healthcare delivery display weekend.

The next Festival of Speed will take place from Thursday July 10 to Sunday July 13 in 2025. Tickets for this event will be available starting Monday July 15 for previous buyers Members Fellows public sales later year sign up ticket alerts online catch action ITV1 Monday July 22 Tuesday July 23 image highlights available online further details upcoming events announced months media accreditation opens January next year.