GOODWOOD - The ultimate motoring event of the year is open, with lots of brand new metal, its the year to go !

The hundreds of exceptional competition cars and motorcycles are positioned in their paddocks, the motor racing stars are arriving, the supercars are being polished and the rally cars are earning their first mud splatters up at the Forest Rally Stage, all ahead of the 24th edition of the sell-out Goodwood Festival of Speed opening its gates at 7 am on Friday 24 June to thousands of excited enthusiasts.

Despite the recent rain, the weather forecast is currently promising a dry and sunny outlook for all three days of the 2016 Festival of Speed, which this weekend will be celebrating the theme of ‘Full Throttle – The Endless Pursuit of Power.’ This 2016 theme offers Goodwood an outstanding opportunity to showcase many of the fastest and most powerful machines ever conceived, illustrating motorsport’s continual quest for power.

As always, this weekend’s Festival of Speed has something for everyone, from a huge roll call of the very top drivers and riders, including current F1 stars, plus Grand Prix cars, seven current Formula 1 teams, rally champions, endurance racing legends, NASCAR, Indy, BTCC, WRC, WTCC, supercars, competition bikes, GAS extreme action sports, off-road buggies, the peace and tranquillity of the Cartier ‘Style et Luxe’ concours lawn, and much much more besides.

In addition, Festival of Speed spectators will be able to marvel at the impressive and imposing ‘Central Feature’ installation, celebrating one hundred years since the founding of the important BMW brand this year.

Ahead of all of this though, the Goodwood Moving Motor Show kicks off the annual motoring excitement today (Thursday 23 June), with hundreds of the very latest new passenger car models – many making their UK or world debuts – being driven up the celebrated Goodwood Hill.

All in all, it promises to be an exciting the memorable weekend!