The Goodwood Festival of Speed has its roots in the early 1990s and is the vision of Lord March.
Lord March, also known as the Duke of Richmond, wanted to revive motor racing at Goodwood. However, reopening the Goodwood Circuit, which had been closed since 1966, proved to be a difficult task. Instead, he came up with a new concept: a celebration of motor racing history on the grounds of the estate itself.
The first Goodwood Festival of Speed was held in 1993 and rather than a full circuit race, it featured a hill climb course alongside displays of historic racing vehicles. The event was a huge success and has gone from strength to strength. In 2023 over 200,000 people attended across the four-day event.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed hill climb is a challenging course that stretches for 1.16 miles (1.86 kilometres) of Lord March’s driveway. It has 9 corners that test driver skill and vehicle handling and the track is extremely narrow and demanding. The fastest-timed run up the hill is just 39.08 seconds, achieved by Max Chilton in the McMurtry Spéirling in 2022. That’s an average speed of around 107 mph.
The invitation arrived like a golden ticket, courtesy of Piaggio’s PR team. To ride the Aprilia RSV4 Factory up the Goodwood Hill? At the legendary Festival of Speed? This was a dream draped in petrol fumes, an opportunity I simply couldn’t refuse.
The Piaggio team are a dream team. A whirlwind of passion and enthusiasm, they embodied everything I love about the motorcycle community.
Pulling into the Goodwood paddock on a crisp Saturday morning, the sun was my copilot after a predawn start and a three-hour drive. Laura and Ruby from Aprilia PR greeted us with smiles that could melt fog. They whisked us into the Aprilia enclosure, where I was introduced to Lucy, Adam, and the fantastic crew. Surrounded by gleaming bikes and infectious camaraderie, I knew this weekend was going to be epic.
Sat quietly in the shadows was the RSV4 Factory. Aprilias single-minded obsession has created a beautiful, Intense, determined machine, with an undeviating purpose; to go fast.
The Aprilia RSV4 Factory boasts a 1099cc V4 engine that puts out an impressive 217 bhp at 13,200 rpm and 122 Nm torque at 11,000 rpm, making it a true force on the road and track. The focus on weight reduction and a refined chassis contribute to the bike’s incredible handling.
The lightweight construction is evident everywhere you look; from the upside-down, double-braced, aluminium swingarm for improved handling and agility, forged aluminium wheels to reduce unsprung weight to the titanium Akrapovic exhaust.
Aprilia have engineered in a range of adjustment, including; the position and angle of the headstock, engine height and swingarm pivot height and has fitted the bike with a Smart EC 2.0 electronically managed Öhlins steering damper.
Aprilia has spared no expense with the suspension. It features a semi-active Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension system that adjusts to your riding style and road conditions.
Front forks are 43 mm diameter Öhlins NIX, with TIN surface treatment.
At the rear, there is an Öhlins TTX monoshock with Smart EC 2.0 electronically managed piggy-back.
Aerodynamics are Inspired by their MotoGP bikes with integrated aerodynamic winglets and improved aerodynamic efficiency that provides stability at high speeds.
We were taken over to the driver’s lounge for sign-in which was a pretty special experience, given the medallion that allows lounge access and will act as a memento for years to come, then taken back to the Aprilia enclosure to suit up.
This was the moment the nerves hit me, like a wave of anxiety and excitement. I got the nod to say we were going, and the next few minutes were a blur.
Clad in leathers and helmet secured, I paused for a final photographic memento. A brisk briefing on the bike’s electronics ensued and then came the exhilarating moment to jump on and fire up the beating heart of the 217 bhp RSV4.
Weaving through the throngs, my Aprilia entourage in tow, a surge of rockstar swagger welled within me.
After a patient wait, the gates to the hallowed tarmac swung open, granting us access to the revered space just behind the starting line. Here, beneath the dappled shade of towering trees, the track transformed into a human tapestry. Three rows deep, spectators craned their necks, their gazes a curious blend of anticipation and reverence, eager to witness the procession of riders.
A wave of emotion washed over me as I sat nestled amidst this pantheon of asphalt. The starting line, a threshold to countless legendary journeys, stretched before me. The illustrious roll call of those who had traversed this path echoed in my mind – champions past and present, some forever etched in racing lore. In that moment, poised beneath the watchful gaze of the trees, a profound sense of belonging settled upon me.
As my turn arrived, I steered my bike to the starting line, anticipation tingling in my veins. While I dream of recounting a run that was flawless, swift, and effortless, reality dictated a different narrative. My path proved slightly clumsy, the course was unfamiliar, a new landscape, then I caught the rider in front, forcing me to slow my pace. Yet, this mattered little. The very act of being there was an unparalleled thrill. The track thrummed with the energy of spectators lining the course, the same track I’d witnessed my heroes conquer year after year, and now, I too was part of its tapestry.
Flanked by a cheering throng, I revelled in the moment – a mere participant transformed into a performer on the hallowed ground.
On our steady descent, the marshals, whose tireless efforts ensured our safety, showered us with applause which I gratefully returned with a respectful nod and wave.
Returning to the paddock, a curtain fell on a remarkable odyssey. Words cannot express my gratitude to the Aprilia team for orchestrating this unforgettable adventure.
The entire experience was one I will remember for a very long time.
