A SUPER fast sports car was on board a Royal Navy aircraft carrier today to launch an all-British bid in the Le Mans 24-hour race in France.
The TVR T400R was on the deck of HMS Invincible ahead of two racing versions of the 215mph speed machine competing in the international endurance event in June.
It is the first time that TVR, Britain's largest independent car maker, has entered the race since 1962.
The Blackpool-based firm has joined forces with De Walt Race Sport of Salisbury to enter an all-British team of drivers and engineers.
The TVR joined Invincible in Portsmouth and was photographed alongside a Royal Navy Sea Harrier jump jet as the ship headed for Liverpool. On behalf of the Royal Navy, Commander Rory McNeile said: "This is a excellent opportunity for the Royal Navy to show support for a British marque entering a world-class race.
"The ship's company and embarked squadrons are, for the most part, young men and women working in a hi-tech challenging environment dealing with sophisticated equipment, often operating near the limits and can readily identify with the challenges that the TVR team face in racing at Le Mans."
A TVR spokesman said: "It is a nice opportunity for both of us to highlight the similar values of the two organisations, which are both hi-tech and forward-looking."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article