Lorina McLaughlin to drive Arrows A9 turbo F1 car at Goodwood Festival of Speed

One of Britain’s most successful female racing drivers has been invited to drive an Arrows Formula One turbo car on the famous hillclimb course at this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed (June 28-July 1).

Lorina McLaughlin, one of the British Women Racing Drivers’ Club’s most successful members, will pilot the machine at the event, which will also see 2009 F1 world champion Jenson Button join a host top-line racers at the Goodwood Estate.

Owned by Michael Quaife of Kent-based Quaife Engineering, who will share driving duties of the Barclay USF&G-liveried machine, the Arrows A9 was originally piloted by grand prix-winning driver Thierry Boutsen during the 1986 Formula 1 campaign and has recently been restored to particapate in the world famous event by engine and chassis specialists Geoff Page Racing.

“I had hoped to test the Arrows before the Goodwood event, to get a feel for the explosive power surge of turbo boost,” commented McLaughlin, who is yet to get a run in the Arrows.

“The engines in the turbo era produced a shattering 1100 to 1500 break horse power and I have never driven a Formula One car with that much power before!”

However McLaughlin has recent F1 car experience having driven her ex-Michael Schumacher Benetton B192 at the Classic Aarhus Race in Denmark. She conducted demo runs on the street circuit with other members of THE FORCE (The Historic European Formula One Race Car Entrants), which she runs with her husband David.



"I really enjoyed returning to Aarhus, it’s such a beautiful area and the Danish people are so enthusiastic and knowledgeable. We had a great welcome from the organisers from the moment we arrived.”

“[Aarhus] is quite challenging with chicanes and 90 degree hairpin bends that wind through beautiful surroundings, including the Royal Parks and along the sea-front. The start/finish line crosses the circuit’s longest straight which runs parallel to the sea. That’s when I can really get the power down before braking and changing down (gears) to sweep through the tight right-hand bend and up the hill into Mindeparken and past Marselisborg Castle, the Summer Palace of HRH Prince Joachim of Denmark, who is a great supporter and competes in the race.

“Last year HRH Princess Marie of Denmark presented me with a huge trophy for ‘Best in Class’ - that was a real surprise but very rewarding for the team and myself.”

McLaughlin has enjoyed a glittering motorsport career, amassing dozens of trophies and accolades, including the Club’s coveted Lord Wakefield Trophy – presented for an outstanding performance and or contribution to motorsport.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed starts with the Michelin Moving Motor Show today (Thursday 28 June) with the Festival of Speed running from on Friday 29 June until Sunday 1 July.


James Weeks