At the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed, Tag Heuer’s ambassador, Alain Prost, opened a great photographic exhibition that represents his remarkable career as a Formula 1 driver. The Festival of Speed, one of the greatest motoring events in the world, was held at the famous Goodwood Estate in West Sussex, England, from June 28 to July 1. Thus, it seems like a perfect place for going back in the “crazy 80s” in order to recall one of the most successful careers in the racing sport, which includes 51 victories, 33 pole positions and 106 podium finishes between 1980 and 1993.
Alain Prost Goodwood Festival of Speed
The second most prolific Formula One winner in the history has personally assisted the Earl of March in preparing this Tag Heuer’s inaugural Festival of Speed photographic exhibition that revealed 100 images, many of which for the first time. They showcase the most important moments in Prost’s carrier, from schoolboy kart racer to a true Formula 1 icon.
Alain Prost
Last year, Alain Prost renewed his partnership with the famous Swiss watchmaker which had previously followed him during the golden period of his racing carrier. While driving for the TAG-sponsored McLaren team, Prost won three of his four World Championship titles. Almost 30 years later, the legendary French driver made his first appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, driving up the famous hillclimb in his old Renault RE30, the F1 car in which he won his first grand prix – the French Grand Prix, in 1981. Prost has also driven his 2012 Dacia Lodgy Andros Trophy ice racer, which is a 355bhp MPV prepared by Renault Sport Technologies.
“What’s important is to see the culture and the traditions around the automobile sport. Here, you can see more or less what has been done in the last 50 years in motor racing”, said Prost, after the opening of the photographic exhibition. He certainly was the central figure during one of the most exiting and glamorous eras of this sport. Demonstrating the super-smooth driving style, Prost deserved to be called ‘le Professor’, while his impeccable reputation outside the track brought him the respect from fellow drivers and millions of fans around the globe.
Once again, the Festival of Speed has attracted the top F1 teams, including McLaren, Lotus, Ferrari, Mercedes, Williams, Caterham, plus reigning Constructers World Champions Red Bull Racing. Besides, eight Formula One World Champions have driven up the Goodwood hillclimb course. Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button draw their Grand Prix machinery, while two-time World Champion and Indy 500 victor Emerson Fittipaldi took the hill with a Lotus 72. A three-time champion, Sir Jackie Stewart, made a breathtaking appearance in a Mercedes-Benz W194. Finally, thousands of fans have a rare opportunity to see the champion from 1964, John Surtees, as well as the ’96 title holder, Damon Hill.
