Goodwood Speedweek to celebrate more than 100 years of Automotive Heritage and Performance 17.10.2020: Motor sport returns to Goodwood , as the picturesque English countryside welcomes a one of a kind spectacle. From Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October, Goodwood SpeedWeek will celebrate more than a century of motor racing, showcasing the evolution of automotiv

Motor sport returns to Goodwood , as the picturesque English countryside welcomes a one of a kind spectacle. From Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October, Goodwood SpeedWeek will celebrate more than a century of motor racing, showcasing the evolution of automotive technology, wheel-towheel racing and legendary sporting heroes.

In line with its long-term commitment to motor sport, Rolex supports Goodwood SpeedWeek in 2020 as the Official Timepiece, and as Title Sponsor of the Rolex Virtual Drivers’ Club.



The highly anticipated event is to be held behind closed doors and will combine popular elements from the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Goodwood Revival and the Goodwood Members’ Meeting.

Rolex Testimonee and three-time FIA Formula 1 Drivers’ World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart said: “I very much enjoy visiting Goodwood each year. The Duke of Richmond hosts the finest cars, as well as the best drivers. I am sure Goodwood SpeedWeek will continue that tradition.”



Reflecting its close affinity with motor sport since the 1930s, Rolex supports Goodwood and the Duke of Richmond’s quest to preserve and pay tribute to the history of the sport at Goodwood SpeedWeek during this unprecedented year.



In an exhilarating test of speed and accuracy, the long-standing official Goodwood Motor Circuit lap record will be contested, having been held jointly by Sir Jackie Stewart and the late Jim Clark since 1965. “To have set the same time in my BRM as Jim in his Lotus, stretching the very ability of the timekeepers, still gives me great pride,“ said Sir Jackie, reflecting on a memorable weekend during his first Formula 1® season.



 “Jim was one of my very good friends and one of the greatest drivers of all time.” An array of pioneering modern cars that have never previously raced at Goodwood will compete for the prestige of setting the fastest lap on Sunday afternoon during The Shootout.


Notably, the all-electric Volkswagen ID.R will vie to make history, having claimed records at last year’s Goodwood Hillclimb and the Pikes Peak in 2018. Sir Jackie added: “Nowadays, the aerodynamics, the carbon fibre construction and the sophistication of new materials give cars more grip and therefore much more speed than in my day. But even back then, it was a speedloaded weekend. I am very excited to see who comes out on top.”



Some of the world’s most admired race and rally machines will gather at Goodwood SpeedWeek, and, with a focus on the future, the spotlight will be on new car launches and innovative supercar debuts. Recognizing design and engineering achievements of the past, Goodwood Revival favourites, such as the St Mary’s Trophy and the RAC TT Celebration, will provide an abundance of enthralling on-track action. “When I travel to Goodwood, I always have butterflies as I eagerly look forward to seeing which car I will be given to race,” said Rolex Testimonee Tom Kristensen, who will compete over the weekend.



“Goodwood is very important as it keeps the heritage of our sport at the forefront. I always look forward to learning about the history of the cars and seeing how they feel on track – it is such a tremendous feeling driving an old-school circuit with vintage cars.”

Taking part in The Shootout, Kristensen will be reunited with the 1997 TWR Porsche WSC-95 in which he took the first of his record nine victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.



Goodwood SpeedWeek will honour the past, present and future of the automobile, as well as the courage and determination of the sporting legends who drive them, demonstrating the technological progress and know-how shared from one generation to the next.

ROLEX AND MOTOR SPORT


Rolex’s close ties with motor sport date back to Sir Malcolm Campbell’s World Land Speed Record successes in the 1930s, when he became the first driver to break the 300 mph barrier (483 km/h) at the wheel of his car, Bluebird. Since then, Rolex’s presence in motor racing has grown steadily, its support extending to revered endurance events such as the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship.


In 2013, Rolex became associated with Formula 1®, the pinnacle of motor sport, having supported Rolex Testimonee Sir Jackie Stewart since 1968. The three-time FIA Formula 1 Drivers’ World Champion has been joined by fellow high achievers from the world of motor sport: Tom Kristensen, the record nine-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner; Mark Webber, the multiple Formula 1® race winner and 2015 FIA World Endurance Champion; and Nico Rosberg, the 2016 FIA Formula 1 Drivers’ World Champion.



The brand also has a global appreciation for classic automotive events steeped in elegance, beauty and tradition, including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and the Goodwood Revival.




AN UNRIVALLED REPUTATION FOR QUALITY AND EXPERTISE

Rolex, a Swiss watch manufacture headquartered in Geneva, is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products. Its Oyster Perpetual and Cellini watches, all certified as Superlative Chronometers for their precision, performance and reliability, are symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige.


The word “Perpetual” is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster. But more than just a word on a dial, it is a philosophy that embodies the company’s vision and values. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of the company, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that would drive the company forward. This led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, invented in 1931.


Rolex has registered over 500 patents in the course of its history. A truly integrated and independent manufacturing company, Rolex designs, develops and produces in-house the essential components of its watches, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Furthermore, Rolex is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.





Virginie Chevailler, Grace Mennem