Damon Hill, James Vowles, Luke Browning and Jamie Chadwick on track at Goodwood with Williams

Between Williams And the Goodwood Festival of Speed ​​is a well-oiled machine. After heading to West Sussex last year with the FW14B that crowned Nigel Mansell champion in 1992, the Grove-based team is switching cars for Goodwood House. This time, Williams will be cruising between the hay bales with the 1996 FW18. At the wheel, Damon Hill will be back in the driver's seat. car who crowned him world champion in 1996. With his teammate Jacques Villeneuve, then a rookie, they had won 12 victories in 16 races and had easily secured their 8th Constructors' title before adding a 9th — and for the time being last — the following season.

“I am delighted and very excited to be reunited with my world championship-winning FW18 and Williams, who made it all possible, at the Festival of Speed ​​this summer,” Damon Hill is delighted, as he will be celebrating 30 years since his title win. “Seeing the car return to Goodwood 30 years later and sharing this moment with the fans is truly incredible,” he continued. “Thanks to the team at Grove for the work they’ve done to get the FW18 back on track. I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel!”

“Goodwood is an incredibly special event that showcases the best of British motorsport, and it’s an honor to be competing in the hill climb alongside Damon, Jamie, and Luke this year.”, agrees James Vowles, the Williams team principal. “Seeing Damon back on the FW18 as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of his world title is extremely important for the team and for the fans. Moments like this bring together our past, present, and future, and that’s something we’re proud to celebrate.”

In addition to Damon Hill and James Vowles, Luke Browning, the team's reserve driver, will be on track. The Briton is competing in Super Formula this season, where he finished fourth during the opening race weekend at Motegi. Also on track will be Jamie Chadwick, a team ambassador, who will be part of the Williams motorcade. " The Formula 1 has been an integral part of the Festival of Speed ​​since its inception, and Williams was one of the first teams to participate, as early as 1994.” recalls the Duke of Richmond, founder of the Festival of Speed. “Our fans are passionate about modern F1, but also very knowledgeable about the history of the sport, and I know they will be delighted to see Williams throughout the weekend. It will be fantastic to see James, Jamie, and Luke in action, but the most special moment for me will be honoring Damon on the 30th anniversary of his world title. Damon has been an ambassador since the very first Festival of Speed ​​and remains one of Goodwood’s most loyal supporters. I am extremely grateful to Williams F1 Team – Heritage for their work restoring and preparing the FW18 for this very special occasion.”

The Goodwood Festival of Speed ​​will take place from July 9th to 12th. You can book your tickets now. via this link.

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