If you’re a fan of classic Group B rally cars, make sure you don’t miss the Donington Historic Festival, taking place from April 29 to May 1 – where a full-on demonstration of these iconic ‘too fast to race’ rally machines will take place.

Back in the Eighties, Group B rules allowed unlimited boost, along with low weight and high-tech materials – the end result being staggering levels of performance. But by 1986, a series of fatal accidents saw the sudden withdrawal of Group B and the end of a short but golden era in rallying.

Spectators at the Donington Historic Festival can expect to see Audi Quattros, MG Metro 6R4s, Ford RS200s, Lancia 037s, Porsche 911 RSRs and Peugeot 205 T16s all battling it out – as well as one example of the exotic Group B Ferrari 308 GTB. The rally cars will perform their spectacular stuff on a specially designed, all-tarmac stage on the GP loop, with free spectator access.

The event comprises three days of the best in historic racing and rallying, ranging from pre-war sports cars to pre-1960 Touring Cars, as well as GTs and World Endurance Championship sports prototypes. It’s the inaugural event, but it’s already looking like an action-packed Bank Holiday weekend. For further details, go online to www.doningtonhistoric.com.

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