The Goodwood Festival of Speed is an unusual opportunity for modern racing drivers to experience classic racing cars of the past. Former F1 and FIA Formula E driver Karun Chandhok is in the perfect position to look at some of the differences between old and modern machines.

“I’m got two cars here this weekend,” he said. “The 1990 FW13 and also the 1983 FW08 which Keke Rosberg won the Monaco Grand Prix in. They are two very special cars for sure.”

With a seven-year gap between the cars, there is the opportunity to look at how technology changed in that period and Chandhok continued, “It’s very interesting to jump in and out of different cars at these events. Obviously the FW08 is a bit older it’s the Cosworth V8 engine that went up against the turbos at that time. Lots of things really amazed me about it – the gearbox for instance is so easy to use and the engine is so driveable, it’s incredible how well it all works given it was built over thirty years ago!

“The FW13 is again very special – it’s the last generation of F1 car that can be started without needing to use a laptop. It’s the last Williams with a manual gearbox, and it has the V10 Renault in it which is a bit scary up the hill here at Goodwood where it’s dirty and there’s no grip!”

For a modern driver in a classic car, safety is undoubtedly one of the biggest things that stands out, as Chandhok confirmed, “It was a very special time, but looking at it as a modern driver I can’t believe how dangerous it was. You sit so far up by the front axel – it’s quite a scary view from there! But that’s what they were used to and we have to be grateful that we have come so far.”

As a member of the FIA Drivers Commission, the Indian racer believes that it is important for drivers to make the most of opportunities like Goodwood for a number of reasons. “Goodwood is unique,” he said. “It has become so big that it is a privilege for drivers to be invited here to drive special cars. I think Lord March and his team do an amazing job, there are so many legends of the sport here, but more importantly it isn’t about us, it’s about the fans.

“They get the chance to get really up close to cars and drivers and see what they don’t get to see on a normal race weekend. I think it’s very important for drivers to take these opportunities.”

Finally, Karun reflected on the magic of the event, listing some of the ‘must-see’ cars for him: “I’ve been told that the Brabham BT52 is here this weekend – it’s an amazing piece of kit and I can’t wait to see it. Also of course there are all the Group C cars, the long tail McLaren Le Mans car... the list goes on! There’s always so much to see, and it always amazes me how rich the history of motor sport really is.”