WRC's stars and cars thrill at Goodwood

All three factory teams were present on England’s south coast with fans from around Europe treated to the sight and sound of Rally1 cars on the famous hill and the Forest Rally Stage designed by 1983 world champion Hannu Mikkola.

The famous Finn’s sons Juha and Vesa Mikkola were also present, driving the Group 4 Audi Quattro which broke ‘competitive’ cover on the 1981 Algarve Rally. Mikkola was running as zero car – but would have won the event by 30 minutes.

Juha said: “Goodwood is such a special place, it’s been fantastic to come back here, to remember Hannu and share so many memories of him and this great car from Audi Tradition.”

Group B was represented in all its finery, with an ex-Juha Kankkunen Peugeot 205 T16 taking center stage. The Rally1 cars were, of course, not to be cast into the shadow. Eight time world champion Sébastien Ogier led the charge, driving Toyota’s GR Yaris Rally1 on Friday.

“It’s a fantastic event,” said the Frenchman, “it’s really nice to come here and to meet all of the fans and to drive the car for them.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Hyundai man Thierry Neuville. The Belgian added: “I was here some years ago, but I forgot how many people there are coming. It’s incredible! To see so many cars in such a nice atmosphere, it’s fantastic.”