We're not sure whether it would cure Honda's current problems, but it would certainly fit in with the Brackley outfit's new image, and that of the FIA.

We refer to what has to be the one true environmentally friendly race car, the Eco One, the brainchild of students working with the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) at at the University of Warwick.

The Eco One is a race car with a difference: its shell is made from hemp, the tyres made from potatoes and the brake pads made from cashew nut shells. It also runs entirely on bio-fuels and bio-lubricants.

However, its green credentials don't hold it back on the track. Designed originally with a top speed of 125mph, project manager Ben Wood has 'tweaked' the original Formula Student engine and claims he can achieve up to 150mph - given a long straight and a tailwind.

Ben, studying for his Engineering Doctorate at WMG, the global innovation specialists based at the University of Warwick, said: "Almost everything on the car can be made out of biodegradable or recyclable materials. All the plastic components can be made from plants and, although the chassis has to be made from steel for strength, steel is a very recyclable material.

"We already have the shell, brake pads, fuel and tyres sorted. My aim is to end up with a race car that's 95 per cent biodegradable or recyclable. If we can build a high-performance car that can virtually be grown from seed, just imagine what's possible for the average family car."

Eco One will get its first public outing at the Sexy Green Car Show at the Eden Project where, from 30 March to 15 April, it will rub shoulders with green offerings from the biggest names in the motor industry worldwide.

Take note, this really could be the future of Formula One, as, for once, the environmental issue has been treated seriously rather than as a gimmick.