Mini F1 car designers hope to clinch pole position

The Bolting Gingerbreads have made it through to the F1 in Schools Finals

A team of students from a Shropshire school are hoping to race their way to victory as they compete in an internationally-renowned Formula 1 (F1) themed competition.

The F1 in Schools Finals, which take place in Rotherham on Tuesday, sees pupils design, make, test and race miniature F1 cars made from card.

The cars are raced on a 20m (65ft) track, powered by compressed gas cartridges.

The Bolting Gingerbreads from Moreton Say Primary School, near Market Drayton, is made up of 10-year-old Reuben, Owen, Jamie and Harrison, and nine-year-old Harry.

They came sixth in the regional competition in February, but received the Judge’s Choice Award, which meant a wildcard entry to the Finals.

The team says the gingerbread man logo is inspired by Market Drayton’s historic link to gingerbread

“I found out from my mum," manufacturing engineer Harrison said of the wildcard spot. "I was running around the house, shouting and celebrating.”

Since finding out, the team have not only been improving their car, but their presentation, for which they say they received a low score.

“For nationals, we thought about aerodynamics,” said design engineer Owen. “We wanted it to look more like an F1 car.”

Teams must also create a portfolio, a pit wall display and present their work to a panel of judges.

"If we won, we would all be amazed," Reuben said

The car has bright orange and blue livery, with a gingerbread man logo, which the children say is inspired by Market Drayton’s historic link to gingerbread.

If they win, they walk away with a trophy and tickets for an exclusive experience at the British F1 Grand Prix in July.

“If we won, we would all be amazed,” said Reuben, graphic designer. “We all like cars, and we all want to go out of school.”

Their teacher, Sian Jones, believes they can do it: “It’s just been amazing watching their confidence grow.

“They’ve made so many changes to the car, I think they’ve got a really good chance.”

The competition starts at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham at 10:20 GMT, with the awards ceremony at 15:30 GMT.