PETROL-HEADS are gearing up for Formula 1 royalty at the start of the Goodwood Festival of Speed today.

The festival promises four days of jam-packed motorsport action when it returns to the picturesque Goodwood Estate near Chichester.

As well as an appearance by 2008 F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, Williams F1 star Felipe Massa and 1996 world champion Damon Hill will also be at the event.

Massa, who started last weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix in pole position, will drive the FW18 – the same car Hill famously won the 1996 drivers’ title in.

Hill, who achieved 21 grand prix wins, 20 pole positions, 19 fastest laps and 40 podium finishes with Williams, will also have a run-out on Goodwood’s iconic 1.16-mile hill.

The British motor racing hero is the seventh F1 World Champion to be added to the Goodwood entry list, joining John Surtees, Sir Jackie Stewart, Emerson Fittipaldi, Kimi Raikkonen, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button.

Massa said: “This will be my first time back at Goodwood since 2003 when I drove the Ferrari F2002. It will be nice to go back as there is always a really great atmosphere.

“I’m really happy to be able to get behind the wheel of one of the team’s historic cars. I’m also looking forward to driving in front of all the amazing fans that have a true love of all motor sports.”