Wirth to build cars for Manor GP

Former Benetton designer Nick Wirth will provide the cars for Formula 1 newcomers Manor Grand Prix.

Wirth Research, based in Bicester, will create 100 jobs to design, develop and build the cars.

Manor Grand Prix, who are run by former single-seater champion Jon Booth, will run the team from their headquarters in Sheffield.

Simon Crompton from Wirth Research said the company have the pedigree within motorsport to deliver successfully.

"Up to now we have been carrying out a number of large engineering projects," he said.

"We work with many, many large motor racing organisations and for the last few years have been designing and supplying sports cars for the American Le Mans series."

Oxfordshire neighbours Prodrive were one of British teams that were unsuccessful in their attempts to enter Formula 1.

But Crompton added: "We are steeped in motor racing history in this area. It has become a fantastic centre and that attracts not just companies like us but all the other suppliers."

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