WORDS: NATHAN CHADWICK | PHOTOGRAPHY: GOODWOOD
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is just around the corner, and there’s a packed line-up of features when it all kicks off between June 23 and 26.
The 2022 Festival of Speed is all about ‘The Innovators – Masterminds of Motorsport”, and the big news is that BMW will celebrate 50 years of M, with the world premiere of the BMW M3 Touring and the first UK sighting of the M4 CSL. The central feature will show cars from throughout BMW M’s illustrious history, such as a 3.0CSL, M1 Procar, 320Si E90 WTCC racer, the Le Mans-winning V12LMR and the M LMDh race car that will debut next year.
BMW Classic will bring along four cars to take on the famous hillclimb. Pedro Piquet (BRA), son of three-time F1 World Champion Nelson Piquet, will drive the world’s first turbocharged F1 World Champion car, the 1983 Brabham BMW BT52, while Steve Soper and ex-BMW M boss Markus Flasch will share driving duties in a V12 LMR. HRH Leopold Prince of Bavaria will drive a 635 CSi, and Bruno Spengler will pilot a Z4 GTR. There’s also the chance to take in static exhibits of M cars past and present, such as the M3 E30 and M3 CSL E46, as well as the fresh M5 CS and M4 GT3. The Concept XM will also appear, pointing the way to BMW M’s future, while The Stable Yard will be dedicated to BMW’s range of electrified models.
This year marks 30 years since Nigel Mansell’s dominating Formula 1 World Championship year. Nige himself will be in attendance, and will be reunited with his 1992 Championship-winning Williams FW14B, as well as former steeds in the form of the Lotus 91, Ferrari 639 and 640.
There’s also the chance to take in plenty of new metal (and carbonfibre). This year sees the debut of the Bentley Flying Spur S, part of a new S range for the British manufacturer. The Flying Spur S is powered by the marque’s’s advanced 4.0-litre V8 engine, developing 550PS and 770Nm of torque. 0-62mph takes 4.0 seconds and its top speed is 198mph. The Flying Spur S is also available with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 536bhp (544PS) and 750Nm (553lb ft) of torque, for a 0-62mph of 4.1 seconds.
Polestar will also debut the Polestar 5 four-door GT prototype and 2 BST edition 270.
Meanwhile, the Radford Type 62-2, Kalmar 7-97, Hispano Suiza Carmen and GMA T.50 will all star in the Michelin Supercar Paddock, with many supercars yet to be announced. Jenson Button will be taking the Radford Type 62-2 up the hill as part of the Michelin Supercar Run. Luis Pérez-Sala, Hispano Suiza brand ambassador and former F1 driver, will drive also drive the 100 percent electric Carmen up the legendary Goodwood Hill.
If you love motorcycles, Wayne Rainey will be joined by Mick Doohan, Kenny Roberts and Kevin Schwantz, marking three-time 500cc World Motorcycle Champion Rainey’s first visit to Goodwood. He’ll be riding his championship-winning Yamaha YZR500. Meanwhile, the Festival of Speed’s F1 Pit Lane (presented by Sky) will see five F1 teams in attendance, including McLaren F1 Team, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team, Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 Team and Williams Racing, with more to be announced. There’ll be hillclimb demonstrations and plenty of access to the cars in the paddock.
There’s plenty more to see, such at the Cartier Style et Luxe concours and the Rally Stage, and plenty more besides, including a packed Bonhams auction and a parade of luscious Lancias (Stratos, Fulvia, 037 Evo 2, Delta S4, Delta HF Integrale and more). More details on ticket availability is found at www.goodwood.com.
However, if you can’t make it to the Festival of Speed yourself, you can watch it all live via https://www.youtube.com/GoodwoodRRC between June 23 and 26.
