Alain Prost Confirmed for Historic McLaren Reunion
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Former McLaren driver Alain Prost returns to the Woking-based team for a one-off event at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed hosts a celebration of motor sport history, displaying cars raced throughout the years.
A variety of people around the sport are allowed to drive them at the event. This year, Prost is returning to racing for a special appearance, coming back to the team where he made history.
Alain Prost, McLaren-Honda MP4/5, Grand Prix of Monaco, Circuit de Monaco, May 7, 1989.
Alain Prost, McLaren-Honda MP4/5, Grand Prix of Monaco, Circuit de Monaco, May 7, 1989.
Photo by Paul-Along with Prost returning, McLaren is also rebuilding a special edition of the McLaren M23, which Emerson Fittipaldi used to win the 1974 Drivers' Championship.
McLaren announced the occasion along with a statement from chief operating officer Piers Thynne.
"It's great for McLaren to be back at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. It's the perfect occasion to showcase our own heritage alongside our more recent achievements and to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Formula 1," Thynne said.
"30 years on from our victory at Le Mans, it's great to be able to have J.J. Lehto driving the F1 GTR, and it will be special to see Alain Prost drive his 1988 MP4/4.
"It's also fantastic to be able to run the MP4/2B to commemorate 40 years since Alain's first Drivers' Championship victory.
"It's an honor and a privilege to be given the opportunity to drive the M23-15 and showcase the team's hard work and talent.
"To be able to bring such a challenging project to life, involving such a wide range of team members across departments, is a special moment, and is a great way to recognize the team's first Championship win.
"We really enjoy being part of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, so we look forward to seeing it all come to life for another year."
Thynne is scheduled to drive the M23.
Goodwood is held in Chichester, England, on July 10 through July 13, holding a walk through memory lane for old and new fans alike.
What is Alain Prost driving?
Prost was the teammate of the legendary Ayrton Senna, one of the most iconic drivers of all time.
Both drivers drove the MP4/4 in 1988, which was the title-winning car that season. The car won 15 of 16 races, dominating the field unlike any car before.
Prost will drive the exact model he used to win at Monaco, France, and Mexico.
Nicholas and Shelley Schorsch of the Audrain Collection own the chassis of the car and are providing it for the special event.
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