Goodwood Festival of Speed sneak previews

Car buyers and enthusiasts will be salivating over the prospect of this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, as new formats and interesting line-ups are being slowly announced.

In 2010, Thursday is being added as an extra day to increase the length of the ever popular event to 4 days. Thursday's event is to take on a motor show format for up to 30,000 visitors. Rather than focusing on track events, the Thursday spectacular will concentrate on showcasing new models, for those looking to purchase some new metal.

So far, carmagazine.co.uk reports that around 20 manufacturers have signed up to the Thursday show, including Audi and Mercedes Benz. Each manufacturer will be able to display up to six models, on specialist stands in the paddock area, so as to test their cars up the infamous Goodwood hill.

According to the official website, the festival is also set to showcase a new aviation show, playing a key role in the 4 day event. To be held within the grounds of Goodwood House, the dedicated aviation experience will allow aircraft manufacturers to display their planes and take prospective clients or enthusiasts on a small flight.

In a hot-off-the press story from Automobile, Italian car-maker, Alfa Romeo will celebrate their 100th anniversary at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, with Goodwood's legendary centrepiece sculpture being comprised of Alfa models. This year's sculpture is rumoured to be the most daring and interesting offering ever. In addition to the artwork, Alfa Romeo will be provided with a specialist stand to show off its most prolific models and debut new car - the Giulietta.

Host Lord March commented on this year's new show format, saying ''It's a moving motor show, a preview day where manufacturers show off their latest and most exceptional models... We will be putting guests into theses cars and they will experience the hill for themselves.''

Hilary Brooks, Worchester, VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN

Andrew Wilkinson, Evesham, VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE