Barron to co-chair DTI motorsport panel

Ms Hewitt said: "Paul Barron has a wealth of engineering industry experience to bring to this role, and will also provide an independent view to draw together the interests of the industry and the sport. The panel, supported by working groups, will bring together the industry, sport and government on a regular basis to develop a long-term partnership programme to sustain and strengthen the UK's leading position in motorsport.

"The working groups will enable a wide range of organisations to input recommendations for consideration to the panel and will have a flexible and open membership, with industry, government and sport representatives taking part as required.

"Working groups will meet with the panel every two months for the next year to build on and combine existing activities into a joined-up, long-term strategy for the UK motorsport industy."

As well as being president of Alstom UK, Paul Barron, is also the chairman of the Energy Industries Council, a member of the CBI President's Committee and Manufacturing Council, and a board member of British Trade International.

The other panel members are: Chris Aylett (CEO, Motorsport Industry Association); Michael Baunton (president, Perkins Engines); Richard Burden MP (chair, All Party Motor Group); Peter Foubister (MD, Haymarket Autosport Publications); Alan Gow (chairman, Motorsport Strategy Development Group); John Grant (chairman, Motor Sports Association); George Lendrum (director, Pi Research); Dr David Pulling (director, GKN); Roger Putnam (chairman, Ford UK); David Richards (chairman, Prodrive); Murray Smith (deputy chairman, Octagon Motorsports); Rodney Westhead (CEO, Ricardo Group); Prof Garel Rhys (director, Cardiff Business School); and Sir Jackie Stewart (president, British Racing Drivers Club).