Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

In gear

Text Lisa Curtiss
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Spend a nostalgic day at the races and keep up to speed with the latest motoring news

Goodwood Revival

Experience a unique and authentic event celebrating the history of motor racing

September heralds the Goodwood Revival, one of the world’s largest and most popular historic race meetings, and the only event of its kind to take its cue entirely from the 50s and 60s, regarded as the golden age of motor sport.

Everything is themed to the style of this dynamic time period – from entertainment and food to vintage clothes stalls – plus the circuit racing and static and air displays themselves. Most visitors join in the spirit of the occasion and dress the part, so expect to see Marilyn Monroe, Terry Thomas, Cary Grant and Elvis at his young US-Forces-uniformed best.

Over three days, the type of cars and motorcycles that would have raced at the Goodwood Motor Circuit from 1948 to 1966 roar around the track – Grand Prix cars, sports and GT models, saloon cars and little-seen Formula Juniors. Many of these important historic vehicles are driven by famous faces from motor racing past and present. Previous participants have including Sir Stirling Moss, John Surtees, Sir Jack Brabham, Phil Hill, Derek Bell, David Coulthard, Damon Hill, Gerhard Berger, Johnny Herbert, Wayne Gardner and Giacomo Agostini.

The Circuit’s owners have lovingly restored the site so that everything is as it was in its glory days. There are theatrical sets to bring the past back to life, such as this year’s re-creation of an Earl’s Court motor show from the period. At the former World War II aerodrome, a celebration of aviation heritage includes stunning aerial displays and a selection of rare pre-1966 aircraft.

The Revival takes place on 19–21 September at Goodwood, Chichester, about an hour from Gatwick. Tickets cost from £30 (€38) per day or £99 (€125) for the weekend. www.goodwood.co.uk

Lexus IS F – a driver’s dream

Breaking out of its executive family saloon mould, Lexus has let loose a mean machine

New from Lexus is one of the most desirable – not to mention exciting – cars I’ve driven for some time. If you’ve generally thought of the company as a purveyor of classy but rather sedate sedans, a trip in the driver’s dream IS F will change your mind. This 5ltr, aggressive-looking V8 boasts a whopping F1: 7 – Belgium, 28 – Singapore; Le Mans Series: 12 – Silverstone; Beaulieu International Autojumble: 13 – Beaulieu, UK; Speedway Grand Prix 2008: 13 – Bydgoszcz, Poland; World Touring Car Championship: 21 – Brands Hatch, UK; British Rally Championship 2008: 27 – International Rally, UK 412bhp, which gives it a honed and blistering performance that allows it to accelerate from 0 to 10km/hour in just 4.8secs.

Driving it on the Millbrook Testing Ground recently, against a plethora of rivals, I found the IS F’s handling to be super sharp. It grips, growls and punches forward with exhilarating ease. This car not only looks but means business, with no less than four exhaust pipes and a muscular, low-slung stance. The icing on the cake? For just £51,155 (UK), you get pace, performance and Lexus’s renowned luxurious perfection. A truly excellent car.

In the news

Who will head FIA

President of the FIA (the governing body of world motor sport) Max Mosely has insisted he plans to leave his post when his contract ends in October, and speculation is rife as to who will step into the role. Hot favourite is well-liked ex-Ferrari team principal Jean Todt, although some predict the lack of salary for the job may prove rather a deterrent. There’s no comment from Todt as yet.

In the time he’s got left in office, Mosley has vowed to introduce sound steps to ensure Formula One becomes greener and cheaper. He hopes that over the next few years F1 can embrace cost trimmings that will make it more accessible for less well-funded teams and improve its environmental credentials.

September dates: F1: 7 – Belgium, 28 – Singapore; Le Mans Series: 12 – Silverstone; Beaulieu International Autojumble: 13 – Beaulieu, UK; Speedway Grand Prix 2008: 13 – Bydgoszcz, Poland; World Touring Car Championship: 21 – Brands Hatch, UK; British Rally Championship 2008: 27 – International Rally, UK

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