Richard Hammond to race 1961 car at festival

Richard Hammond will compete at the Silverstone Festival in a 1961 Austin Healey 3000

Presenter Richard Hammond will race a classic 1960s sports car at a motorsport festival for his new TV show.

The former Top Gear and Grand Tour star will take part in the Royal Automobile Club Historic Tourist Trophy, part of the Silverstone Festival in Northamptonshire, due to be held over the August bank holiday weekend.

He will take the wheel of a 1961 Austin Healey 3000, against other cars made before 1963, including an E-type Jaguar and an AC Cobra.

Hammond will share driving duties with racing driver Patrick Blakeney-Edwards, who said: "It's all about taking part rather than winning."

Patrick Blakeney-Edwards (left) will share the driving duties with Richard Hammond

The 55-year-old's efforts will be featured in the upcoming season of Richard Hammond's Workshop, on streaming service Discovery+.

He and Mr Blakeney-Edwards have already been to the Silverstone circuit to practise in the car.

"He clearly knows how to drive and has done a little racing before," Mr Blakeney-Edwards said.

"However, we want him to enjoy himself – and to do that, he needs confidence both in himself and in the car.

"These miles are key to ensuring we have a fun weekend."

Nick Wigley, the event's director, said it was great to have Hammond "enthusiastically involved in the Silverstone Festival".

The car will compete against others made before 1963, including an AC Cobra

The festival will also have a special celebration to mark the 75th anniversary of the Formula 1 World Championship.

It will feature performances from Natasha Bedingfield and Craig David presents TS5.

The Silverstone Festival runs from 22 to 24 August.