DRIVERS REUNITED WITH ICONIC MACHINES
One of the things that makes the Festival of Speed so special is the reuniting of legendary drivers with the cars that yielded their most famous achievements, creating that instant nostalgia hit for spectators while rekindling those most glorious of moments for the drivers in question.
This year was no different, as the event celebrated motor racing’s best all-rounders, including Mario Andretti, the 1978 Formula 1 world champion, four-time Indycar title-winner, Indianapolis 500 victor and multiple race winner in the world sportscar championship.
One of the sights of the weekend was seeing the likeable American back behind the wheel of the Jps-liveried Lotus 79 that secured his only world crown in 1978 and brought ground-effects to F1. Andretti also refamiliarised himself with the stunning V12-powered Ferrari 512S, which he drove to third in the 1970 Daytona 24 Hours.
“It is a joy to be invited,” said Andretti, now 81. “It is magic just to be here and this is a true celebration of motorsport. Every discipline is represented here. To some degree it brings some of it
[the memories] back.”
Highlighting Andretti’s point that Goodwood caters for all disciplines, rally legend Ari Vatanen was reunited with his 1981 World Rally Championshipwinning Ford Escort RS1800 Mk2 for the first time since winning the title. It was a car he shared with co-driver and now Prodrive boss David Richards.
“This shows what this weekend is all about – nostalgia, history, emotions and reliving something you have done,” said Vatanen, who proved he is still very much a fan favourite. “It is crazy to think this was 40 years ago. It is emotional driving it and I’m very happy to be here.
“I do many events like this regularly and I see how nostalgic people are and they come up with many touching stories, it is very humbling.”