However, according to this article, rather than being a simple exercise, the 11-18 year old kids use state-of-the-art software programs that enable them to play around with CAD (computer aided design) and CFD (computational fluid dynamics), just like real F1 designers.

The record is right on 1.1 seconds, an average speed of 18.18 m/s. To put that in perspective, that’s faster than Fernando Alonso’s Renault could manage over the same distance, notwithstanding its 900bhp cargo in the back!

The winner of the 2005 F1 in Schools CAD/CAM Design Challenge will be invited to the Williams factory in Grove to see how a real F1 team operates.

F1 in Schools 'graduate' Adam Charnley testifies to the value of getting involved: "You gain a lot of skills from it, not just in designing the cars but also communication and sponsorship skills.

"You also learn how to build a car that is not only fast and efficient but also reliable and cheap to manufacture.

"I had started an architecture course at uni and I’ve now changed courses to an engineering degree, which is what I really wanted to do in the first place, so it’s changed my life."