UK races forward in automotive design

Speaking ahead of the weekend's Grand Prix, Lord Digby Jones, the Trade and Investment Minister, drew attention to the UK creative sector in the field of motor sports car design and described it as a "true British success story".

Both motor sport and the creative industries act as ambassadors for UK expertise around the world

Lord Digby Jones

Trade and Investment Minister

The Minister also noted the country is a "world leader" in the design and the motor racing sectors and applauded the way both have worked to further the other.

According to UK Trade & Investment, six leading Formula One teams are found in Britain, with cars manufactured in the country competing in the A1 GP, US Champ Car, Le Mans and the World Touring Car Championship tournaments.

Lord Digby Jones also commented: "Both motor sport and the creative industries act as ambassadors for UK expertise around the world.”

Sir Jackie Stewart, a UK racing great, agreed with the Minister and said the country is a capital for motor sports technology.

A total of £17 billion was spent by the automotive industry in UK research and development projects in 2004, with half of this carried out for overseas firms, while there are several centres of excellence including in the £70 million International Automotive Research Centre at the University of Warwick.