It’s quite a privilege to drive up Goodwood’s hillclimb course at the Festival of Speed and unlike other demonstration events, drivers are encouraged to put on a good show for the crowds by committing themselves to the racing line (usually cutting across the grass at key corners) and keeping the right pedal nailed everywhere else.
I enjoyed a run up the 1.16 mile course myself yesterday, albeit in a more humble set of wheels than Ferrari’s 458 Italia, so it’s nice to relive the moment this evening in one of Maranello’s finest.
The following video provides an on-board view of the 458 Italia’s run up Goodwill hill today, but will you be able to guess the identity of the driver? Was it Michael Schumacher? Felippe Massa then? All out of guesses? Well how about British comedian Bobby Davro.
It takes a brave man to tackle Goodwood’s challenging hillclimb in something as powerful as the 458 Italia, especially when it’s your first time. The good news if you missed him, is that he’s back behind the wheel on Saturday and Sunday and I’ve been invited to join him…! But unfortunately I’m not attending this weekend. Just my luck..
The 458 Italia took centre stage at the Goodwood Festival of Speed today, alongside the new flagship V12 four-seater, the FF, and the front-engined V8 California. Finished in a “bi-colore” scheme of Rosso Fuoco (dark red) with a Nero Daytona (black) roof, the 458 Italia has been capturing the attention of spectators visiting the supercar paddock and in today’s demonstration runs on the hill.
Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver, Marc Gené was also on hand today to put the 2010 Ferrari F10 single-seater, which was driven by Fernando Alonso during his fight for the F1 title last year, through its paces up the famous hillclimb course.
There are also several fine examples of classic Ferraris from the 1950s, 60s and 70s on display at the Festival of Speed, including a unique 375 MM from 1953, a beautiful 246 Tasman from 1968 and a superb 312 B3 from 1973. They can all be seen over the weekend in both the F1 Paddock and the Cathedral Paddock.
We’ll have more images and videos from Ferrari tomorrow, in the meantime turn up your speakers and listen to the 458 Italia get into its stride.
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