Schools in Corus Formula One challenge

WOULD-BE Jenson Buttons from Winterton Comprehensive School and Huntcliff College, Kirton-in-Lindsey, will fly the flag for North Lincolnshire today in a dramatic motor-racing challenge on the Scunthorpe Corus steelworks.

They will be among 150 students from 16 schools who will be racing scale-model gas-powered Formula 1 cars at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.

During the Yorkshire and Humberside regional final of Corus Grand Prix they will be assessed by the company's experts for design work, engineering development, teamwork and project presentation.

Corus engineering director Andrew Murray said: "F1 in Schools is a fantastic project that challenges young people to test their skills in a fun environment while learning about important subjects like engineering and technology,"

Today's competition challenges the teams of students to use special software to design, test and manufacture miniature compressed gas powered balsa wood F1 cars.

The cars are then tested for speed on a purpose-built 20-metre track.

Mr Murray added: "Engineers and technologists are critical to modern life but with the number of students choosing to study these subjects dwindling.

"It is important we do everything we can to enthuse and inspire them with projects like this.

"Jenson Button and the Brawn team's recent success has shown people all over the world anything is achievable when you work hard enough."

"There is no reason why the youngsters competing here at Corus today shouldn't go all the way to the F1 in Schools World Championships in 2010."

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