The Government has revealed plans to support motorsport business development in a Prospectus published today (MON).

Organisations can apply for a share of the 2 million committed by the Government Motorsport Unit (GMU) to support the priority areas identified by the Motorsport Development Board.

It is based on the recommendations of the DTI's Competitiveness Panel for promoting technology and innovation, increasing international trade, obtaining business finance and encouraging greater collaboration.

Board member Chris Aylett said, "The Prospectus identifies the key areas in which we wish to invest over the next five years to raise the economic performance of UK motorsport businesses in the face of growing global competition".

Organisations have until 17^th September to submit expressions of interest to the GMU.

Copies of the Prospectus can be obtained from the GMU's website www.gmuweb.com/document_js.cfm or by telephoning them on 01604 490407.

Notes for Editors

1. The Motorsport Development Board provides industry and sporting leadership and direction on a five years programme to sustain and develop the UK motorsport cluster, based on the recommendations of the DTI Competitiveness Panel:

• Create a Motorsport Academy to improve skills development and co-ordinate learning provision
• Support a Motorsport Learning Grid of educational activities in schools, Further and Higher Education
• Developing cross-sector motorsport technology transfer and UK & international business development
• Promoting the development of energy efficient motorsport in the UK
• Encouraging more volunteer officials to enter and stay involved in the sport
• Widening participation and improving social inclusion in the sport.

2. The Government Motorsport Unit leads the government's sector sponsorship of motorsport. It co-ordinates the motorsport interests of the public sector, particularly the Department for Trade and Industry and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and Advantage West Midlands, East of England Development Agency, East Midlands Development Agency and the South East England Development Agency.