AS if being home to the current Formula One world champion wasn t enough, Times Territory could well have the future of motorsport in its midst. For engineering students at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield are putting their skills to the test

AS if being home to the current Formula One world champion wasn't enough, Times Territory could well have the future of motorsport in its midst.

For engineering students at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield are putting their skills to the test as they attempt to build a roadworthy F1-style car.

The vehicle will race against cars designed by other universities from around the world at Silverstone, in Northamptonshire, in July.

The challenge, called Formula Student, is a module available to those studying towards a Masters or PHD in automotive engineering.

Now in its 12th year, Formula Student is Europe's biggest academic motorsport event.

It is a chance for engineering whizz-kids to get noticed by potential future employers, as well as having their work on display at the current home of the British Grand Prix.

Since 2003, the University of Hertfordshire has finished as the top UK team three times.

This year, the 18-strong team will submit a vehicle in Class 1A, an alternative fuel category.

Today, the WHT is backing the university and asking for residents of Times Territory to do the same.

The team is looking for sponsors to fund the build of the car.

In return, they will have their name, or that of their company's, emblazoned across the final design just like the WHT will come July.

Formula Student team member Darren Wells, 23, a fifth year student at the Hatfield-based university, said: "For our team to be able to make the vehicle designs a reality we need all the sponsorship we can get as it allows us to buy all of the raw materials, components and processes we need, as well as allowing us to test the vehicle prior to the competition."

* There are different levels of sponsorship, and details are available online at www.whtimes24.co.uk

The WHT will be running regular updates online on the team's progress, including picture galleries, blogs and team profiles.

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