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M-Sport support aspiring automotive students

M-Sport are teaming up with Harper Adams University this year as students contest the 2017 Junior British Rally Championship with the Ford Fiesta R2 National.

Following Harper Adam's inclusion of an Automotive Engineering course which further develops the university's expanding Engineering Department, exciting opportunities have arisen and the Shropshire-based students will become the first to field an independent team at national level.

Offering a unique opportunity en route to graduation, all positions within the Harper Adams Motorsport Team - from the driver to the service crew - will be filled by those studying for their degrees.

James McDiarmid (21, Automotive Engineering) will take up the driving duties alongside Max Haines-Messenger (21, Automotive Engineering) calling the notes.

McDiarmid has some rally experience having contested single venue events on both gravel and asphalt, but this year will pose a completely different challenge. The youngster has also had experience in the navigator's seat with a number of events in the Scottish Tarmac Rally Championship which include four finishes at the Tour of Mull.

The post of Logistics Manager will be filled by Will Coldicott (21, Automotive Engineering) and the demands of engineering will fall to Dan Markham (21, Automotive Engineering). The service crew will comprise of first and second year students keen to further their practical skills.

Having taken delivery of M-Sport's Fiesta R2 National in mid-November, the team have been working hard alongside their studies to strip and prepare the car. Just before Christmas, the shell returned from the paint shop and is now in the process of a full rebuild before pre-season testing.

Known for fostering young talent, M-Sport are also proactive in furthering the careers of those who aspire to work behind the scenes. Introducing students to valued clients CA1 Sport and Autotek last year, the youngsters were able to gain first-hand experience of what to expect at the highest level of the British Rally Championship.

The Harper Adams Motorsport Team will be at the Autosport International Show in the UK this weekend. All those interested in discovering more about their programme should visit the team at stand 7110 or contact the university at the following email address: info@hamotorsport.co.uk

M-Sport Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said:

"We're delighted to be able to help the students of Harper Adams University with this unique and challenging new project. I met the students last year and was blown away by their passion, commitment and determination.

"They knew exactly what they wanted to do, and had a plan in place to make it happen. We're always looking to inspire the next generation, and this initiative does just that with a group of proactive and talented youngsters who have the aspiration and work ethic to match.

"It's something I respect tremendously, and we're proud to support their initiative."

Max Haines-Messenger, Harper Adams University student, said:

"We are very thankful to the entire M-Sport team. The support, time and trust that they have invested in us has been invaluable. Thanks to their generosity, we have spent the past year developing a wealth of knowledge and experience that will see us face this new challenge head-on.

"We must give a special thank-you to Malcolm for making it all possible. Now, we're looking forward to getting out on the stages and proving that his faith has been well-placed."