Student engineers from Sussex experienced life in the fast lane last week, driving their hand-built racing car around a world-famous motorsport circuit. 

The automotive engineering students finished 34^th out of more than 130 entries in the annual Formula Student competition, which culminated in a series of contests at Silverstone from Wednesday to Sunday (13-17 July).

The international competition, which is run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), challenges university students to design and build a small, single-seater racing car in just one year. 

The 16-strong Mobil 1 Team Sussex, comprising 10 fourth-year and six third-year students, worked at full speed from July 2010 on their entry. 

Their car included a Yamaha 600cc four-cylinder injection engine, and a sleek black, white and orange painted carbon-fibre shell. The majority of components were hand  made by the students. 

Sussex supporters got a first glimpse of the car when it was unveiled in June.

The team today used their Facebook page to thank their supporters. They said: "We have had the most amazing few days. We were able to compete in all of the dynamic events, which is a first for Team Sussex. Ended up 34th overall, out of more than 130 entries, which we are really pleased with." 

Among those cheering on the team at Silverstone was Army hero Johnson Beharry VC, a patron of the team, who will be awarded an honorary degree by the University at this week's graduation ceremonies. 

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bob Allison, said: "Johnson Beharry has inspired many with his story of bravery in action. 

"What may be less well known is his great support for the University and particularly for our engineering students' Mobil 1 Formula Student team. 

"As a patron of the team, giving his time and financial support, he has inspired our students to give of their best. 

"Our students have also worked with him to support the Help for Heroes charity. We see this as the beginning of a lasting partnership with Sussex." 

Lance Corporal Beharry and the team were joined at Silverstone by land-speed-record-breaker Richard Noble, who was awarded an honorary degree by Sussex in 2009 and is the team's lead patron, and the Head of the School of Engineering and Design, Professor Bernard Weiss.