The annual Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place this weekend. Since this does not coincide with a MotoGP race weekend for the first time in years, many riders and teams are ready to take part in the historic event.
There is just over a week until the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the legendary event is preparing for the biggest motorcycle celebration ever. From July 13th to 16th, champions from the current grid will take on the famous ‘hill climb’ alongside a host of MotoGP legends and the full line-up has now been revealed!
Ducati
In the red corner are three familiar faces from the MotoGP circuit, as the Bologna manufacturer brings some serious star power. Reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia will be joined on Saturday and Sunday by his Ducati Lenovo teammate Ina Bastianini. Frequent test driver and wildcard Michele Pirro also starts the festivities on Thursday and Friday for the brand from Borgo Panigale.
KTM
In the orange corner, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing also kicks off the weekend with Finnish test rider Mika Kallio, who will start on Thursday and Friday. Then, 2023 nominee Brad Bender will take charge over the weekend as the South African plays the Austrian manufacturer on Saturday and Sunday.
GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 presents a very special Thursday and Friday at the Festival as Paul Espargaro makes his long-awaited return to the saddle – taking the next step and getting back on the bike after a flying visit to Assen to surprise his team. On Saturday and Sunday, fellow rookie Augusto Fernandez will take the lead. He will make his debut during the event, as he continues to make his MotoGP debut as well.
Aprilia
Aprilia Racing is also descending on Goodwood this year, with the RS-GP in the hands of longtime test driver Lorenzo Savadori, who was fresh from his wildcard at Assen. It will be on top of the hill on Thursday and Friday. The CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team is also part of Noale’s squad at the show, with multiple MotoGP race winner Miguel Oliveira on Saturday and teammate Raul Fernandez on Sunday.
Honda
LCR Honda’s last modern Grand Prix team. The American Grand Prix winners will be at the 2023 Festival. Unfortunately, they will have to do without Alex Rins as the Spaniard continues to recover from his Mugello crash, but their iconic uniform will be on hand to take part in the festivities and enjoy the hill climb.
legends
As if that weren’t enough firepower, the Legends lineup brings together some iconic characters in history. Combined with the existing grid, the entire Festival of Speed line-up presents a unique cross-section of the champions who have made the sport what it is – and those who continue to make it the most exciting motorsport in the world.
- James Augustine
- Mick Doohan
- Freddie Spencer
- Casey Stoner
- Kevin Schwantz
- Wayne Gardner
- Kenny Roberts Jr
- Alex Creville
- Randy Mamola
Where can you find MotoGP
On site, the MotoGP delegation will be in the Ballroom Paddock at the Drivers’ Club – the perfect display to give fans a great overview of the teams outfitting the machines. And if you can’t be there? There will be extensive coverage of the event.
First of all, the MotoGP hill climb will be broadcast live on motogp.com and on its associated social media channels, so that fans from all over the world can take part in this unique celebration of the sport. A selection of photos and event coverage will also be made available each day of the festival, including exclusive quotes and reactions from the drivers and legends who go on the hill.
Stay tuned and come to Goodwood July 13th-16th – or wherever you are in the world!
