ENGINEERING students at the University of Bolton are to start work preparing a historic F1 racing car as part of their studies.
The Ensign F1 car last raced in the early 1980s when it was operated by former Formula 1 boss, Bob Fernley.
Although the car has been a museum piece since then, Bob always hoped to see it back in action.
By teaming up with students from the University of Bolton's National Centre for Motorsport Engineering (NCME), the historic car will be prepared by the next generation of engineering minds, at the same time giving students hands-on experience of working with F1 machinery.
Once the chassis preparation is complete and power unit installed, the engineering students will be offered the opportunity to run the car in the 2020 Masters Historic F1 Championship round in Zolder, Belgium.
In the driving seat will be former F1 race winner and Sky Sports F1 expert, Johnny Herbert, who will also complete testing duties at the Anglesey circuit in Wales in July.
In addition, the students will be tasked with digitally scanning and creating a map of the car's aerodynamic performance to make comparisons with modern-day racing cars.
With Formula 1 introducing new technical regulations in 2021, the project is especially relevant for the students who will make a direct comparison with ground effect aero from 40 years ago.
Johnny Herbert said: "Getting behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car from any era is always a huge privilege.
"The 1981 Ensign is a car I remember when I was just a teenager dreaming of becoming a Grand Prix diver and it's fantastic to see Bob bring it back to compete in the historic races this year.
"For the students, it's a fantastic way for them to learn on the job by getting experience in the workshop and at the track.
"This project will showcase Bolton's engineering department and develop the skills of these young engineers."