The Autodelta Brera J5 3.2 C made its Goodwood Festival of Speed debut over the weekend, taking its place at what has grown to become the world’s greatest motor sports extravaganza.

This year’s Festival of Speed was bigger, better and brighter than ever and the enthusiasm of the tens of thousands of visitors over the weekend was undeterred by the rain showers which arrived on a regular – and heavy – basis. Star of the show was unquestionably Britain’s newest F1 sensation Lewis Hamilton who joined an array of past and present Grand Prix stars at the event, which included Stirling Moss, Jackie Stewart and Damon Hill, while probably the second biggest cheer of the weekend was reserved for Emerson Fittipaldi who was reunited with the Lotus 49B.

Against this backdrop the Autodelta Brera J5 3.2 C made its Festival of Speed debut. Since it was unveiled in Monte Carlolast autumn it has been a busy period for the 348 bhp supercharged machine, which features a bespoke conversion package which, as well as the engine, includes upgrades to the transmission, suspension, chassis and aerodynamics. And after being commercialised on 1 February 2007the J5’s order book has filled up very rapidly.

At the Festival of Speed on Friday and Saturday the Autodelta Brera J5 3.2 C was displayed in the Goodwood Radio 87.7 FM and Goodwood TV compound where it could be amply viewed by the crowds as it was situated next to one of the major ‘Hill’ crossing points. The positioning and weekend’s itinerary came from a special initiative that saw Goodwood Radio commentator Ed McDonough using the supercharged sports car as his personal transport for the weekend.

At the Festival highlights for the J5 included a ‘live’ broadcast by Ed, who has also commentated from the air at Goodwood during the ‘Revival’, from its luxurious cockpit; the highly respected automotive writer/journalist also showed the 348 bhp car in the ‘Supercar Paddock’ where its stunning, slippery Italian styling saw it more than capable of holding its own against a plethora of ‘telephone number’ priced sports car machines; while a visit to the ‘F1 Paddock’ allowed Ed to rev the J5’s glorious new V6 engine in the hallowed company of the world’s noisiest and spine-tingling Grand Prix cars.

At Autodelta we believe our cars must always combine ultimate performance with day-to-day practicality, and we humbly try to adhere as closely as possible of the original Autodelta advertising slogan from the 1960s of “A car for everyday”. Ed McDonough’s very busy schedule at the weekend and need to travel swiftly over long distances, in comfort, arrive at his destinations refreshed, and carry valuable equipment safely, was a perfect test for the bespoke Brera J5 package. In fact after a busy Friday and Saturday at Goodwood, Ed, who is also the irrepressible Chairman of the Alfa Romeo Owners’ Club UK, headed up North for ‘National Alfa Day’, held this year at WestonParkin Shropshire.

Ed McDonough says: “"The Brera J5 was exactly the right car for the weekend at the Festival of Speed and National Alfa Day. There was not a moment at Goodwood when it wasn't getting open-mouthed attention, and I was stopped dozens of times so the car could be photographed. The invitation by the marshals to park it in the Supercar paddock was the ultimate compliment.

“While National Alfa Day turned out to be an ‘Automotive Glastonbury’ at Weston Park in Shropshire, the J5 nevertheless attracted non-stop attention, and performed it's final act of excellence by using its 4wd to traverse a field of mud from which everybody else was being towed! A great car.”

Jano Djelalian, Managing Director of Autodelta says: “We were delighted Ed chose to use the Brera J5 for the weekend; he’s a passionate member of the automotive scene in the UK, certainly a real ‘petrol head’ judging by the number of times he seemed to go up the hill, always works very hard, and thus is someone perfectly placed to judge our development programme for the Alfa Brera. I would also like to thank Ed for all the input that he has given us over the years, his unwavering encouragement for what we are trying to achieve is very important to us.

“This was my first visit to the Festival of Speed and I have been really bowled over by every aspect of the event, in particular the many visitors who are all very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. I was delighted that so many people are aware what we are doing and were incredibly supportive, and I met many potential new customers; we certainly leave Goodwood totally refreshed, ready and excited for the future.”