Audi momument teaser image released ahead of Goodwood FOS unveiling

A massive automotive ‘monument' in front of Goodwood House will form part of Audi's 100 year celebrations at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (3 to 5 July). The art installation is still under construction and Audi says once it is finished it will represent "one of the most ambitious and striking sculptures ever constructed for the Festival." Included here is the teaser image thereof.

This is the second time Audi has marked a significant milestone in its history at this particular festival. In 1999 the company's 90 year celebrations were honoured when an Auto Union Streamliner and the Avus quattro concept car perched on the embankment as a recollection of the famous Avus race track banking.

Since then Audi has become a significant player in the premium segment, making cars that attract people in a variety of markets, from the small A3 range right up to the A8 and the Q7 SUV. The brand is also well-represented in various motorsports including the gruelling Le Mans 24 Hour where it achieved an eleventh successive podium a few weeks ago.

The Le Mans 24 Hours will form a good part of the Audi celebrations. The winning Audi R10 TDI will be on display and so will this year's third-placed R15 TDI. Drivers associated with the company in the past and present were invited. Lucky attendees should spot the likes of Walter Rohl, Allan McNish, Hannu Mikkola, Stig Blomqvist, Emanuele Pirro as well as Frank Biela as they do their rounds at Goodwood.

Audi will be using the Festival to introduce the public to some of its upcoming new range with cars like the A1 concept car, the A5 Cabriolet, the TT RS and the brawny R8 V10.

Press Release

AUDI CELEBRATES ITS CENTENARY IN MONUMENTAL STYLE AT THE GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED

Fresh from Audi's recent historic eleventh successive podium finish at the Le Mans 24 hour race, the brand will be celebrating again in just ten days time at the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed (3-5 July) as the renowned Ingolstadt-based marque turns 100 years old.

The focus of Audi's global celebrations is on the Festival of Speed with a truly breathtaking automotive ‘monument' in front of Goodwood House. With construction work fully underway, the Audi ‘Central Feature' art installation is one of the most ambitious and striking sculptures ever constructed for the Festival, representing the unique style of one of the World's most innovative automotive brands. A teaser image of the Audi structure is attached to whet the appetite.

The jaw-dropping 2009 Festival of Speed Central Feature will mark the second occasion that Audi has chosen to celebrate a significant anniversary at Goodwood. In 1999 Audi was honoured with one of the most striking and memorable Goodwood central features to date for its 90th anniversary. The famous Avus race track banking was recalled in an astonishing installation that included an Auto Union Streamliner and stunning Audi Avus quattro concept car perched on the banking.

Ten years on, the Audi marque has progressed to become an even more significant player in the global premium car market, combining an enviable image for innovation and quality, and exhibiting consistent worldwide sales growth. Today Audi offers one of the widest and most comprehensive product programmes in the luxury car sector, ranging from the hugely successful A3, right through to the pioneering R8, and including the Q7 V12TDI, with an engine directly developed from Audi's all-conquering turbo diesel R10 TDI sports-prototypes that have dominated the Le Mans 24 hour race from 2006 to 2008.

Audi's recent and historic Le Mans success will form part of the marque's celebrations at the Festival of Speed, harmoniously linking in with this year's Festival theme of ‘True Grit - Epic Feats of Endurance'. To this end, the Audi R10 TDI has been selected as the subject for this year's official Festival of Speed image, beautifully painted as always by specialist motor racing artist Peter Hearsey. The Le Mans-winning Audi R10 TDI will be on show at Goodwood, as will this year's third-placed Audi Sport Team Joest R15 TDI, fresh from its Le Mans podium position.

A number of famous current and ex-Works Audi drivers will appear at the Festival, including Walter Rohl, Allan McNish, Hannu Mikkola, Stig Blomqvist, Emanuele Pirro, and Frank Biela.

In addition to Audi's Le Mans competition machines, other important competition cars representing the Ingolstadt marque's successful motor sport history will be on show. These include the innovative quattro rally cars - which will be seen being put through their paces on the Goodwood Forest Rally Stage - and the legendary Grand Prix Auto Unions, forming part of a comprehensive celebration of the 75th anniversary of the pre-War Silver Arrows racers.

Audi is erecting a stunning brand ‘showroom' display in the Festival exhibition area, which will be used to showcase the Brand's illustrious history, plus current product programme and merchandise. A number of important new Audi models will be making there UK debut at Goodwood, including the A1 concept car, the A5 Cabriolet, the TT RS and the R8 V10 supercar.

To order advance Festival of Speed tickets, please contact the Ticket Hotline:

Telephone: +44 1243 755055

Fax: +44 1243 755058

Email: bookings@goodwood.com

Book on-line: www.goodwood.com/fos/ website