Later this month, the DVLA will be hosting the perfect curtain raiser to this year's Formula One racing season, as it auctions off a series of highly exclusive F1 personalised number plates at the RBS Williams F1 Conference Centre in Oxfordshire.

Twelve registrations beginning with the combination F1 will be offered including, F1 GPX, F1 FAN and F1 MAD, obviously perfect for Formula One enthusiasts, and F1 SHU, a plate of which, Michael himself could well be interested in!

Additionally over 1,400 other distinctive registrations will be up for grabs such as, OO07 SPY, great for a budding PI or loyal James Bond fan and MY55 AMG, just the thing for the owner of a sporty Mercedes SL55 AMG.

Jody Davies, DVLA's auction manager commented: "This is the perfect opportunity for avid Formula One fans across the country to secure a truly exclusive F1 registration as the countdown to the racing season begins."

She continued: "Motor racing fans attending the sale will also have the opportunity to visit the Williams F1 Collection, rarely open to the public, which spans the team's 28 year history and includes each of their World Championship winning cars."

The auction will be held from 21st to 23rd February at the RBS Williams F1 Conference Centre in Wantage, Oxfordshire. Full details, including the complete list of marks available, reserve prices and guidelines on how to bid, can be found at www.dvlaregistrations.co.uk/auctions.

Note: It is unclear whether the purchase of one of the 'F1' number plates will necessitate the car having to carry large 'TM' decals also... but better safe than sorry.