13/06/2012 17:12
Leading French carmaker Renault has announced that it is to return to the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year.
The firm described the event as the world’s largest celebration of motorsport and said it is looking forward to returning after a short absence.
This year's Festival and Moving Motor Show will start on June 28th and run until July 1st.
Renault's decision to feature coincides with the firm celebrating 110 years of engine expertise.
It comes at an ideal time too as the RenaultSport RS27 engine unit is boosting the title chances of several Formula One drivers at present.
Current champion Sebastian Vettel and team-mate Mark Webber are powered by the RS27 in the Red Bull F1 team, while the engine is also being used to spearhead the challenges of Lotus-Renault, Williams Renault and Caterham.
Indeed, the engine saw Williams' Pastor Maldonado take the chequered flag at the Spanish Grand Prix earlier this year and in doing so claim the team's first Formula One podium in almost eight years.
Organisers of the event have explained that some of the marque's most iconic vehicles will be on display at Goodwood.
The Type K - which was the first car to feature Renault's four-cylinder engine and won the Paris to Vienna race in 1902 - will feature in the event, as will the all-electric ZOE.
It will be making its British debut for the ZOE, while a first showing of the Twizy urban commuter is also expected.
"Other exceptional Renaults are due to participate actively, driving up the 1.16-mile Festival hill climb," organisers said.
"These will include the British premier of the brand new Renault Alpine A110-50 concept, built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the famous Alpine A110 Berlinette, along with the RS01 and RE40 Formula 1 cars, the rally-winning R5 Maxi Turbo, the Alpine A443, Megane Trophy, plus � a very big surprise."
Posted by Louise Clark