Historic F1 Cars Face Late Arrival at Adelaide Festival

Four classic Formula 1 cars, including machines for former drivers Thierry Boutsen and Martin Donnelly, have been delayed en route to the Repco Adelaide Motorsport Festival but are expected to arrive in time for weekend running. The 11-car historic F1 grid continues to be a major draw for the growing event, with other attractions including a pair of iconic Ferrari 156/85s already on site.

Why it matters:

The delayed cars represent new additions to the festival's ever-expanding historic roster, highlighting the event's growing prestige in attracting significant machinery and famous names. For drivers like Martin Donnelly, it offers a poignant return to iconic cars and a chance to create new memories at a circuit he never raced at during his F1 career, underscoring the festival's role in celebrating and preserving racing history.

The Details:

• The delayed shipment from the UK includes a 1987 March 871, a 1974 Hesketh 308, and two 2001 Arrows A22s, all of which are new to the Adelaide event for 2026.
• Ex-F1 driver Thierry Boutsen is scheduled to drive the March 871, while Martin Donnelly is set to pilot the Hesketh 308.
  • Donnelly, whose F1 career was ended by a severe crash in 1990, fulfilled a personal milestone by driving an Arrows A10B in Friday practice, marking his first time driving an F1 car at the Adelaide circuit.
• The festival's full historic F1 entry features 11 cars, including the already-present Ferrari 156/85s (to be driven by former Ferrari pilot Stefan Johansson), a Jaguar R2, a Lola LC88, a March 701, and a Simtek S951.
• The two Arrows A22s are particularly anticipated for their distinctive V10 engine sound, adding to the sensory experience of the festival.

What's next:

Organisers remain hopeful the four delayed cars will be ready to run on Saturday. Their arrival and integration will complete the impressive historic grid for the weekend's demonstrations, allowing fans to see and hear a broader spectrum of F1's past in action at the popular Victoria Park circuit.