Audi quattro "monster" at Goodwood

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is a showcase of the some of the world's rarest cars and bikes, including the world-beating 'original' Audi quattro car, the S1.

As well as the stunning machinery, a who's who of Australian F1 GP talent will be in attendance including Alan Jones and an in-form Mark Webber. Even motorcycle legend Mick Doohan will be in attendance.

Simply put, the Goodwood Festival of Speed (or FoS as it's known) is one of the most keenly anticipated motorsport events of the year, for both professional racers and fans alike. And as the name suggests, it's a festival that celebrates full-throttle extremes.

With a broad range of vehicles from the classic, modern, and motor sports categories (and even some concept cars), the famous British event regularly attracts more than 100,000 visitors daily over its three-day duration and in 2009 Audi has snagged the "featured marque" title of the event, which takes place July 3 - 5.

As such, Audi is bringing a host of famous Audi drivers -- past and present -- to pilot its racing cars. Celebrating its centenary, Audi has assigned the likes of Jacky Ickx, Walter Röhrl, Hannu Mikkola, Stig Blomqvist and even Pink Floyd percussionist Nick Mason to drive some of its most famous race cars.

Nick Mason will get the rare chance to drive the largely original Auto Union Type D from 1938 in its last ever demonstration run as Audi is retiring the racecar from active duty.

"It's a great honour for me to be allowed to drive this car on its last outing, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity," said an ebullient Nick Mason.

Meanwhile Formula 1 driver and six-times Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx will pilot an Auto Union Silver Arrow at the FoS. "It's a privilege to be allowed to drive this Auto Union racing car -- at Goodwood of all places, this unique event," beamed the Belgian driver.

Rally fans won't be disappointed either, as the world-famous Audi Sport quattro S1 will be by none other than Stig Blomqvist (the Stig?), who was the 1984 world rally champion.

Rally aficionados may also note that Walter Röhrl will be driving the Audi Sport quattro S1 car as well. The world rally champion in 1980 and 1982, he also stormed to victory at the 1987 Pikes Peak hill climb in the US. "I am absolutely delighted to be getting my hands on the Audi Pikes Peak again. It's a truly fabulous experience to be able to do so at Goodwood," said Röhrl, who will also be piloting the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO, in which the Bavarian participated in circuit races in the USA in 1989.

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