TALK ABOUT A GRAND ENTRY.

It’s Sunday at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The sell-out crowd is looking for something special, particularly after Health & Safety appears to have been responsible for the Red Arrows performing over some empty field in the next county. A performance closer at hand is needed to stir the blood.

That seems likely just after 2pm as F1 cars from across the decades gather in the assembly area. Among this tasty collection, there’s a Benetton-ford B192, Ayrton Senna’s TolemanHart TG 183B, a Mclaren MP4/1, René Arnoux in the Renault RS10 and a much-anticipated run by George Russell in a Mercedes W10.

In a corner beneath the trees crouches ‘Red 5’, so-called because of the numeral on the nose; red being chosen to distinguish Mansell from the white number 6 carried by Riccardo Patrese’s sister car. The Williams-renault FW14B is considered to have been one of the most sophisticated F1 cars ever built but Mansell, the first to arrive in this holding area, appears to be in no hurry to drive it.

He carries out interviews, poses for photographers, his blue Sparco driving suit with sponsor logos from 1992 instantly conjuring memories of that championship year. The marshals signal drivers to climb on board and prepare to head towards the start line. A strict timetable is necessary on a day when more than 200 entries are scheduled to tackle the hill climb.

Mansell remains standing alongside FW14B, as if savouring the moment on some distant starting grid before winning nine of the 16 grands prix from pole during that memorable season. Cars are ushered towards the exit. Red 5 stays put with its engine silent, Nigel showing no sign of reaching for that familiar crash helmet with its distinctive red, white and blue colours.

When the sound of the last engine has died away, leaving only the distant voice of the track commentator and marshals glancing uneasily at their watches, Mansell begins his routine. Balaclava first – his favourite with the big eyeholes – then the helmet, followed by a careful step over the side and a slow submerge into a cockpit that was tight in 1992 – more so now given nature’s advances on the 68-year-old driver.

Five minutes have passed since the request was made to vacate the collection area. Mansell is clearly in no hurry. The Renault V10 eventually breaks the relative hush. It’s a gloriously melodic sound that quickly develops a harsh edge at the behest of the driver’s right foot. Finally, we’re good to go. The show is about to start.

Mansell begins his routine. Balaclava first – his favourite with the big eye-holes – then the helmet, followed by a careful step over the side and a slow submerge into a cockpit that was tight in 1992