Williams FW08C for Thruxton celebration

AN ON-TRACK DEMONSTRATION of a Williams FW08C Formula 1 car will be one of the highlights at the 50th-anniversary meeting of the Thruxton circuit in June.

The Williams team is supporting the meeting and, as well as the FW08C, will provide other racing cars to be on static display. No driver has yet been assigned to perform the demonstration laps, which will take place on both days of the June 2-3 event.

Thruxton Group managing director Bill Coombs said: “I have no doubt the FW08C will make for a quite incredible spectacle in June. It is what I would call a ‘proper’ F1 car – with its screeching V8 engine and wide rear tyres – and it will surely bring back many evocative memories for those like me who were lucky enough to have witnessed it competing during its heyday. This really will be very special indeed.”

The FW08C won the 1983 Monaco Grand Prix in the hands of Keke Rosberg (left), and a previous iteration of the machine won the 1982 F1 world title with the same driver. It was the last Williams to race with a naturally aspirated engine until 1988.

Other attractions at the Thruxton meeting will include a full roster of historic racing, including the HSCC Formula Libre event for cars including Historic F2 machines, and the Super Touring Car Trophy.

During the meeting the new hospitality centre – which is mid-build – will be unveiled.