It has been a busy couple of weeks for F1 in Schools, with the initiative flying the flag for young engineering talent and showcasing winners of its innovative Formula 1 linked education programme at a number of high profile events.

The British Grand Prix was the highlight of the year for winners of F1 in Schools 2011 National Finals Awards, with eight teams visiting this prestigious event on the British sporting calendar. Prior to the Grand Prix weekend the reigning UK F1 in Schools champions, 'Dynamic', from St. John Payne Catholic Comprehensive School in Chelmsford, Essex, were guests of Hilton Racing for a high profile media event, the Hilton on Park Lane Pit Stop Challenge. A group of UAE primary school students flew in to the UK to link with the Bloodhound SSC land speed record project at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this month and this week teams of 9-11 year old primary school students competed at the T1 Primary Racing Challenge 2011 finals, supported by F1 in Schools, held at the Williams F1 team HQ.

Silverstone Wing wows students

The new Wing pit and paddock complex was visited each day of the Formula 1 British Grand Prix weekend and for a couple of days in the build-up, with F1 in Schools teams being hosted by Formula 1 teams for exclusive garage tours, after each team had a chance to see the impressive motorhomes and shiny trucks in the paddock area. An international F1 in Schools visitor was Mark Nanney, a team member from UNITUS Racing, a USA F1 in Schools team and current F1 in Schools World Champions, who flew in from America for the Grand Prix and a chance to meet prospective employers of the future, as he is keen to gain an engineering experience placement with a Formula 1 team.

The generosity of Formula One Management and Silverstone Circuit ensured everyone had a trip to remember, with prime seats for the racing action capping off a truly special day for the F1 in Schools winners.

Dynamic takes a pitstop in London's Park Lane