McLaren Team Principal, Martin Whitmarsh, joins an illustrious line-up of F1 personalities as a Patron of F1 in Schools.

Andrew Denford, Founder and Chairman, F1 in Schools, welcomed Martin Whitmarsh, saying: "We are very flattered that Martin has agreed to be a Patron of F1 in Schools. This initiative has close links with Formula One, and to have direct involvement with the personalities really helps us to engage with the students. Martin is an inspirational Team Principal and we appreciate his generosity in joining our other Formula One Patrons of F1 in Schools."

F1 in Schools has a roster of Patrons which reads like a 'Who's Who' of motorsport, including Adrian Newey, Mike Gascoyne and Ross Brawn.

Whitmarsh says of becoming a Patron of F1 in Schools: "This educational initiative is a great way to encourage students to study key subjects within the curriculum, while also introducing new fans to Formula One. We are always considering the long-term future of our sport and with initiatives such as F1 in Schools we are assured that there will be plenty of bright, young, talent looking to enter the industry.

"We met a number of the students after the 2009 World Finals in London, when the winning team was given a tour of the McLaren Technology Centre. The students' knowledge of the sport and their depth of engineering understanding were very impressive, so we know that F1 in Schools is playing an important role in preparing students for further education and, ultimately, careers in industry. I am sure we will see F1 in Schools 'alumni' in F1, and possibly Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, in the not too distant future."

F1 in Schools challenges students to design, manufacture and race CO2 powered miniature race cars. It is the only global multi-disciplinary challenge for students aged 9 to 19. The competition inspires students to use IT to learn about physics, aerodynamics, design, manufacturing, branding, graphics, sponsorship, marketing, leadership, teamwork, media skills and financial strategy, and apply them in a practical, imaginative and exciting way.