OXFORD Brookes students are on track as they prepare to race at Britain’s most famous racetrack this summer.

More than 100 engineering students are taking part in the motorsport competition called Formula Student run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and ends in a race around Silverstone in July.

Oxford Brookes Racing will compete against 113 universities and hope to regain the title they won two years ago.

The team finished first in 2012, but came fourth last year and are looking for sponsorship from businesses to help them make this year’s car. The team have to design, build and race the car.

For the first time teams from China, Ecuador and Jordan will compete, as well as teams from South Africa, Pakistan, Australia, Canada and India.

The competition, which runs from July 9 to 13, will feature eight different contests in endurance and sprint challenges.

Oxford Brookes team leader George Simmons is hopeful his team will finish in pole position.

The motorsport engineering student said: “I am looking forward to it. You go from having nothing, to a brand new car in a year. It is so exciting.

“The competition is a fantastic initiative that allows students from all over the world to get a real taste of working in the motorsport and automotive Industries. “The project gives us an opportunity to put into practice the design skills that we are learning.”

Former Oxford Brookes Racing members who have gone on to Formula 1 include Blake Hinsey who has worked on Paul Di Resta’s Force India car.