Cambridge University unveils J-Damper mystery

The vehicle suspension device known as J-Damper - which was described as the F1 technical innovation of the year - was kept a close-guarded secret to prevent rivals of the McLaren racing team developing their own version.

Although the name was a rouse to throw of rivals, the J-Damper was created by adding a third component - an inerter - to a shock absorber to make it more flexible and improve handling, comfort and grip.

The innovation was used by McLaren for the first time in 2005, when Kimi Raikkonen achieved a victory at the Spanish Grand Prix.

However, after the confidentiality agreement between the university and the team was lifted, the product can now be supplied to any F1 team, with hopes it could be used by the automotive industry at large.

Professor Malcolm Smith, creator of the J-Damper, commented: "It's very pleasing that what began as a theoretical idea is now being used in motor sport, and hopefully it will gradually be incorporated into other types of vehicle as well.

Last month, Lord Digby Jones, the trade and investment minister, said the UK's sports car design sector is a "true British success story", with six leading F1 teams located in the country.