Racing

Formula 1 Stars Converge on Goodwood for 75th Anniversary Celebration

The highly anticipated Goodwood Festival of Speed is poised to deliver an unforgettable spectacle, bringing together an impressive roster of Formula 1 icons and emerging talents. This year's festival holds special significance as it marks the 75th anniversary of the illustrious Formula 1 championship, promising a vibrant celebration of motorsport history and future.

Witness Racing History Unfold: A Confluence of F1 Legends and Rising Stars at Goodwood!

Goodwood Festival Gears Up for Motorsport Extravaganza

The prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed is scheduled to take place this week, from July 10th to 13th, featuring an exciting lineup of past and present Formula 1 drivers. This year's event will pay special tribute to the 75th anniversary of F1, guaranteeing attendees a remarkable display of championship legends from various eras.

Champion Drivers Ready to Ignite the Hillclimb

Among the celebrated personalities confirmed for the festival are racing legends Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell, and Mario Andretti. Nigel Mansell, the 1992 world champion, will pilot his iconic championship-winning FW14B and race-victorious FW11 up the challenging Hillclimb. Mansell expressed his enthusiasm, stating that he is eagerly anticipating his return to Goodwood to partake in the 75th-anniversary festivities of the Formula 1 World Championship. He further added his excitement about once again driving his cars on the Goodwood Hillclimb, an experience he has cherished over the years.

A Gathering of Motorsport Royalty

The esteemed trio of Prost, Mansell, and Andretti will be joined by fellow world champions Sir Jackie Stewart, Emerson Fittipaldi, Jacques Villeneuve, Damon Hill, and Mika Hakkinen. These motorsport titans will participate in the exclusive 'Champions' class throughout the four-day event, adding unparalleled prestige to the festival.

Haas F1 Team Commemorates a Decade

Adding to the celebrations, the Haas F1 team will mark its 10th anniversary in the championship. Current drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman will be present, alongside team owner Gene Haas, who is set to drive the VF23 on the renowned Hillclimb course, showcasing the team's journey and achievements.

New Talent and Iconic Machines on Display

Making his debut at the Festival of Speed, Sauber driver Gabriel Bortoleto will take the wheel of the C32, a car famously raced by his current teammate Nico Hulkenberg and Esteban Gutierrez during the 2013 season. Bortoleto shared his excitement, noting that driving the Hill at Goodwood is a lifelong aspiration and a unique opportunity to witness iconic racing and road cars in dynamic action.

Racing Bulls and Williams Join the Lineup

Racing Bulls has also confirmed the attendance of rookie driver Liam Lawson, who will drive the Red Bull RB7, adorned with a special VCARB livery. The Williams team will be represented by driver ambassador and three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick, F1 Academy driver Lia Block, and team principal James Vowles. Additionally, Alpine reserve drivers Kush Maini and Paul Aron are slated to attend, driving the A523, which will feature the French team's 2025 livery.

A Comprehensive List of F1 Participants

The Goodwood Festival of Speed will feature a diverse array of Formula 1 talent. Current F1 drivers attending include Esteban Ocon (Haas), Oliver Bearman (Haas), Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber), and Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls). The roster of former F1 drivers is equally impressive, featuring multiple world champions such as Alain Prost, Sir Jackie Stewart, Emerson Fittipaldi, Damon Hill, Mario Andretti, Nigel Mansell, Jacques Villeneuve, and Mika Hakkinen. Other notable former drivers participating are Riccardo Patrese, Gerhard Berger, Mark Webber, Jacky Ickx, John Watson, Johnny Herbert, Kevin Magnussen, Karun Chandhok, Stefan Johansson, Derek Bell, Emanuele Pirro, David Brabham, Arturo Merzario, Bruno Senna, Valtteri Bottas, Felipe Massa, David Coulthard, Patrick Friesacher, Marc Gene, Thierry Boutsen, and Jonathan Palmer, and Karl Wendlinger.

Jorge Martin Set for Private MotoGP Test Following Injury Layoff

MotoGP rider Jorge Martin is poised to participate in a private testing session with Aprilia at the Misano circuit this Wednesday. This critical activity forms a vital component of his recovery regimen, signaling his imminent return to the Grand Prix racing scene at the upcoming Czech Republic event. Having endured a prolonged absence from competition due to injuries sustained earlier in the season, this test serves as a pivotal step in regaining his competitive edge and re-adapting to the unique demands of a top-tier racing motorcycle.

Aprilia officially announced on Monday that they have arranged this exclusive test day, July 9, specifically for Martin. The purpose is for him to pilot the RS-GP, their premier MotoGP prototype. This initiative aligns with a recent regulatory amendment, championed by Aprilia itself, which permits riders to undertake private tests after being out of action for three or more Grand Prix events. This provision directly benefits the Spanish racer, who has been sidelined since sustaining another injury after a brief reappearance in Qatar, following his absence from the initial three races in Thailand, Argentina, and Austin.

The current MotoGP world champion has missed six consecutive rounds of the championship, including races in Jerez, France, Great Britain, Aragon, Mugello, and the Netherlands. Furthermore, he will also be absent from this weekend's German Grand Prix. Martin underwent a thorough medical evaluation last Monday, where he received clearance for testing but not for competing at the Sachsenring this weekend. His prior engagements included two intensive training sessions on an Aprilia RSV4 road bike at the Circuit de Barcelona last week, where he logged nearly 100 laps to gauge his physical condition.

Despite reporting a positive sensation after his training at Montmelo, Martin will be required to undergo a final medical assessment before he can be officially cleared to participate in an actual race. Nevertheless, all indications point towards his participation in the Czech Republic Grand Prix, scheduled for next week. This race marks the final event before the summer break, offering him an opportune moment to reintegrate into the competitive environment and then utilize the break for further recovery and preparation, ensuring a strong comeback after his extended layoff.

The road to recovery for Jorge Martin has been arduous, marked by a series of injuries and a substantial period away from the track. His dedication to rehabilitation, culminating in this crucial private test, underscores his determination to return to the pinnacle of motorcycle racing. Aprilia's proactive stance in facilitating this test demonstrates their commitment to supporting their rider's comeback, leveraging new regulations to expedite his return to full competitive form. The anticipation builds for his potential re-entry into the MotoGP championship, as fans eagerly await his presence on the grid once again.

See More

Dixon Seizes IndyCar Mid-Ohio Victory After Palou's Late Slip

In a dramatic twist at the Mid-Ohio sports car course, veteran racer Scott Dixon skillfully navigated his Chip Ganassi Racing machine to seize an unexpected victory, benefiting from a critical late-race misstep by his dominant teammate, Alex Palou. This triumph marks Dixon's inaugural win of the current season, solidifying his impressive record of achieving at least one IndyCar victory across 21 consecutive seasons.

Mid-Ohio Showdown: Dixon Capitalizes on Palou's Costly Error

The exhilarating Mid-Ohio IndyCar event, held on July 7, 2025, saw the seasoned Scott Dixon of Chip Ganassi Racing execute a brilliant fuel-saving strategy that positioned him for a stunning upset. For much of the race, Alex Palou, also representing Chip Ganassi Racing, appeared poised for another commanding win, aiming for his seventh victory in the first ten races of the 2025 season. Palou had established a near-insurmountable lead in the championship standings, showcasing a period of unparalleled dominance. However, with only six laps remaining, fate intervened. Palou, pushing the limits, made an uncharacteristic error, briefly leaving the track and ceding his hard-fought lead to Dixon. Despite Palou's subsequent efforts to regain ground, Dixon, with his extensive experience, masterfully defended his position, crossing the finish line ahead of his teammate.

Christian Lundgaard of Arrow McLaren secured a commendable third place, followed by Colton Herta from Andretti and Pato O'Ward, Lundgaard's teammate, rounding out the top five. The race also proved challenging for Team Penske, with Josef Newgarden and Will Power both retiring due to separate incidents early in the competition, further emphasizing the unpredictable nature of high-stakes racing.

This dramatic race serves as a poignant reminder that in the world of competitive racing, consistent excellence is paramount, but even the slightest lapse can drastically alter outcomes. For drivers, it underscores the need for unwavering focus until the very end, and for teams, it highlights the strategic importance of not only speed but also calculated risk and adaptability. The thrill of the unexpected, as witnessed at Mid-Ohio, is precisely what captivates fans and cements the legacy of racing as an enthralling spectacle of skill, strategy, and sheer unpredictability.

See More