Goodwood Festival of Speed 2015: When is it, who will be there and can I still buy tickets?

A guide to the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed

McLaren's reunion with Honda will be celebrated (Goodwood)

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is take centre stage at the West Sussex track once again this summer as a collection of the greatest thoroughbred racers gather to entertain motor racing fans across four days at the historic famous hillclimb.

The first Festival of Speed was held back in 1993 when Lord March, owner of the Goodwood estate, held an invitational event to bring motor racing back to the historic grounds. Now in its 23rd year, attendances have swollen from 25,000 during the first Festival to the 150,000 it is now capped at, and a glance at the attendees reveals exactly why it has become such an anticipated event on the calendar.

Goodwood offers drivers and riders the chance to unwind, connect with the enthusiast that cheer them on every week and engage with fans where they simply can’t afford to elsewhere.

Jenson Button has become a familiar face at Goodwood (Goodwood)

Here, we take a look at this year’s event and what’s in store for fans.

WHEN IS IT?

The 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place from Thursday 25 June to Sunday 28 June.

WHAT TIME DOES THE RACING START?

Gates open at 7am sharp with free parking on offer for all ticket holders, and the first engines will fire up on the hillclimb at 8.45am. With enormous crowds flocking to the Festival of Speed each year, we suggest you get there early to avoid missing out on any of the action.

Grand prix legend Freddie Spencer made his return to Goodwood last year

WHAT'S THE THEME THIS YEAR?

2015 will see Goodwood celebrate an exciting theme as 'Flat-Out and Fearless - Racing on the Edge' takes centre stage. It will pay tribute to those that put everything in trying to reach the pinnacle of the sport, but perhaps didn't quite make it through no lack of trying.

WHAT IS THERE TO WATCH?

Simply put, everything you could dream of. From pre-war Bentleys and Mercedes’ to V8 F1’s of the previous generation, motorcycles both young and old to the latest supercars being unveiled by leading manufacturers, the action doesn’t stop on the track. Off it, you’ll be treated to Extreme Sport displays in the GAS Action Sports Arena and you can head up to the top of the hill to enjoy the rare sight of the Goodwood rally stage, should that tickle your fancy.

Make sure you visit the GAS Arena for some high octane extreme sports action

WHO WILL BE THERE THIS YEAR?

As usual, a number of current F1 stars will descend on Goodwood with no grand prix scheduled across the weekend, so you can expect to see the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button as well as past greats that includes world champions Damon Hill and Alain Prost.

There’s no doubting though that the big name for this year’s event comes in the shape of Valentino Rossi. The nine-time world champion will be making his first ever appearance at the Festival of Speed and will undoubting get a warm welcome bordering on the crazy side of things, and he’ll fly in straight from the MotoGP at Assen on Saturday to ride up the hillclimb the following day.

Valentino Rossi will make his Festival of Speed debut this year (Goodwood)

Unfortunately, the current British Touring Car Championship field won’t be on hand as they will be competing throughout the weekend at Croft, but expect to see a few classic touring cars on show along with some names for yesteryear.

CAN I STILL BUY TICKETS?

Yes, but don’t hang around too long. Ticket are still available for Thursday and Friday as well as Sunday when the shootout up the hill will take place. Tickets are still available for Saturday, although they are of limited availability, and weekend tickets remain should you wish to make a weekend of it.