A FORMULA 1 car which last took to the track in the early 80s could be back on the starting grid as students rev up for a historic car challenge.

The Ensign F1 car last raced around 30 years ago when it was operated by former Formula 1 boss, Bob Fernley.

Although the car has been a museum piece since then, Bob always hoped to see it back in action.

Now, he has teamed up with the University of Bolton’s National Centre for Motorsport Engineering (NCME) and the historic car will be prepared by the next generation of engineering minds.

Once the chassis preparation is complete and power unit installed, the engineering students will be offered the opportunity to run the car in the 2020 Masters Historic F1 Championship round in Zolder, Belgium.

In the driving seat will be former F1 race winner Johnny Herbert.

Bob said: “I grew up not far from Bolton and have built some strong ties with the university in recent years.

“I am delighted we can collaborate on this exciting project, which I believe to be the first of its kind giving students the chance to prepare and race a historic Formula 1 car.

“The practical programme will allow the youngsters to get their hands dirty and put theory into practice at the racetrack.

“I know from first-hand experience that this project will really enhance the CVs of the graduates and make them very employable with leading motorsport teams.

“It also shows great vision by the University of Bolton to offer something unique as they prepare the next generation of motorsport engineers.”

Johnny added: “Getting behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car from any era is always a huge privilege.

“The 1981 Ensign is a car I remember when I was just a teenager dreaming of becoming a Grand Prix diver and it’s fantastic to see Bob bring it back to compete in the historic races this year. For the students, it’s a fantastic way for them to learn on the job by getting experience in the workshop and at the track.”

“This project will showcase Bolton’s engineering department and develop the skills of these young engineers.” Mark Busfield, Director of NCME at the University of Bolton, said: “This is an incredibly exciting project to begin 2020. Giving our students a Formula 1 car represents a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate their skills in the real world. It is just one of the ways we are investing in engineering so that we can continue to attract the brightest students to Bolton. Big thanks to Robert and Johnny for their support in making this possible.”