Adelaide GP Winner Boutsen to Race Historic March and Porsche

Former Formula 1 driver and 1989 Australian Grand Prix winner Thierry Boutsen is set to return to Adelaide, this time behind the wheel of iconic historic machinery. He will drive a March 871 F1 car and a Leyton House-liveried Porsche 962C at the upcoming Repco Adelaide Motorsport Festival. Boutsen's appearance adds significant star power to an event already featuring fellow F1 veterans Mika Häkkinen and David Coulthard.

Why it matters:

Boutsen's participation is a powerful nod to Adelaide's rich Grand Prix history, connecting the modern festival to its legendary street circuit past. For fans, it’s a rare opportunity to see a race winner pilot historically significant cars, including the very chassis design that launched a memorable F1 partnership. The festival's ability to attract such high-profile drivers and machinery solidifies its status as a premier event on the global historic motorsport calendar.

The details:

• Adelaide Hero: Boutsen has a strong history in Adelaide, securing one win, two podiums, and five points-scoring finishes across eight starts on the city's street circuit.
• The March 871: This F1 car is significant as the first to feature the famous Leyton House livery, marking the beginning of the team's partnership with March Engineering in 1987. It's powered by a Cosworth DFZ V8 engine.
• The Porsche 962C: Beyond F1, Boutsen will also drive the legendary Kremer Racing Porsche 962C. This Group C sportscar is one of the most successful racing cars ever built, forming the backbone of Porsche's dominance at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
• Star-Studded Lineup: Boutsen joins an impressive list of drivers, including two-time World Champion Mika Häkkinen, David Coulthard, Stefan Johansson, and current Cadillac F1 driver Valtteri Bottas.

What's next:

The Adelaide Motorsport Festival continues to build its roster of iconic F1 cars, with the March 871 set to appear alongside other classics like the 1974 Hesketh 308, Ferrari 156/85s, and an Arrows A22. The event promises non-stop on-track action across two days, showcasing a diverse mix of historic and modern machinery from F1, touring cars, and sportscars, making it a must-attend for any motorsport enthusiast.