The newly appointed Chairman of the group that provides the government with advice on sustaining and developing UK motorsport has promised to keep them focussed on the key issues.

Bob Gilbert takes over as chairman of the Motorsport Development Board from Paul Barron who leaves, following his recent appointment as chief executive of the National Air Traffic Service.

Gilbert is a solicitor specialising in corporate law and was, until he recently retired from private practice, Deputy Senior Partner of Birmingham law firm Wragge & Co, where he headed its Automotive Industry Group.

He is also well known as a competitor in historic motorsport where he regularly campaigns his Historic Grand Prix and Sports Cars at both national and international venues.

Gilbert said, the Board has a wide-ranging remit covering skills, business and technology development, widening participation, volunteer officials and seeking a more beneficial tax treatment. I am determined to ensure that the government and industry work well together to deliver improvements in UK motorsport's economic performance and its world-standing.

Following the approval of his appointment by Patricia Hewitt, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Gilbert will chair his first Board meeting on 15th July.

Bob Gilbert sat on the Motorsport Finance, Investment and Economic Impact Working Group that advised the DTI's Motorsport Competitiveness Panel in 2003.

He has extensive experience in the automotive and motorsport industries and has not only advised the major players in a professional capacity, but has also held a number of non-executive directorships with companies in the sector. He is currently chairman of two public companies and holds a number of other, non-executive appointments.

He is a member of the Historic Grand Prix Cars Association, the Vintage Sports Car Club, the Historic Sports Car Club, the Maserati Owners Club and Bentley Drivers Club.