Motorsport seeks engineers to implement green tech

From the invention of the mid-engine single-seater in the 1960s to the creation of Cosworth’s DFV engine a decade later, the UK has always been a world leader in motorsport. The industry boasts an intoxicating mix of speed, precision and beautiful design – and for engineers looking to transfer their skills, there has never been a better time to join.

Described by some as the jewel in the crown of British engineering, the sector currently employs more than 50,000 people in the UK, and generates a total of £11bn of sales each year. Around 4,500 firms are actively involved in the UK’s motorsport and high-performance engineering industry, and 87 per cent export their products or services.

For these figures to grow, however, the industry must stay relevant. That means embracing low-carbon technologies that are a far cry from the gas-guzzling glory days of racing. In recent years, the industry has had a makeover, placing a greater focus on efficiency and ‘green’ technologies that can be transferred to road cars. The Formula E series, for example, is the first full electric-powered race series, while Formula One and Le Mans prototype cars have been using hybrid systems for years, requiring a whole new set of skills.