GOODWOOD Festival of Speed, already the biggest historic motor sport event in the world, has gained a major boost with news that Renault's current Formula One World Championship leader Fernando Alonso will take part this year.

Alonso, the 23-year-old Spanish hero of the weekend who steadfastly held off a rampaging Michael Schumacher's Ferrari for the last dozen laps of Sunday's San Marino Grand Prix, will drive the Renault R24 F1 car on Sunday, June 26.

The Spaniard's appearance at this year's event - his first-ever at the world famous festival - is guaranteed to add to the heady F1 star-studded atmosphere, and the 23-year-old will undoubtedly be the key attraction for tens of thousands of enthusiasts.

Also confirmed are BAR Honda's Jenson Button and Takuma Sato, third and fifth respectively on Sunday, as well as Red Bull's David Coulthard plus F1 entries from McLaren, Williams, Toyota and the big one - Ferrari.

Regarded throughout Formula One as the natural successor to multiple-World Champion Schumacher - who definitely looked displeased at the post-race press conferenvce - Alonso had already won two Grands Prix this year with victories in Malaysia and Bahrain, along with a third-place finish in the season-opening event in Australia.

With Ferrari one of Goodwood's official sponsors this year, it will be interesting to see if Schumacher himself joins the party, as brother Ralph has in the past.

Throw in dozens of other legends on two wheels and four, including Alain Prost, Sir Stirling Moss and John Surtees, and the pressure will certainly be on Goodwood's ticket office.

Alonso has already firmly cemented his place in the record books as Formula One's youngest ever Grand Prix winner.

Speaking on the confirmation of his attendance at Goodwood, Alonso said: "Goodwood is huge in world motorsport and it's an honour to be able to represent Renault at such a prestigious celebration.Everybody says Goodwood is an unmissable event if you love racing, so I can't wait to experience it for the first time!"

Admission to the Festival of Speed is by advance ticket only.

Call 01243 755055, fax 01243 755058 or book online at www.goodwood.co.uk