THE next generation of Formula 1 race cars could be designed and engineered by students in Bolton who will find themselves in the fast lane this September.

The University of Bolton has created a “mini Formula 1” set-up in a unique partnership with Bolton-based race team RLR Sport to launch a first of its kind centre in the country for advanced performance engineering.

It will be the only in-house and fully-functioning racing team on a university campus in the UK.

The centre will offer degrees in motorsport technology, a BSc and BEng in automotive performance engineering.

Students will get real-life race team experience and use of state-of-the-art racing technology.