A TEAM of young Cotswold engineers aimed to put themselves in pole position, when they took part in a schools challenge.

Team Zoom, which consists of Noah Booker and Charlie Rainey, both aged 14, from Chipping Campden Academy, and 15-year-old Chris Bridges from the Cotswold School, participated in the Formula 1 in Schools Technology Challenge.

The challenge, open to students aged nine to 19, mirrors the processes of a real Formula 1 team including designing, analysing, manufacturing, and testing a miniature model F1 style car, powered by compressed air.

To begin the challenge, first the team had to raise their own funds for the project by finding sponsors, securing support from Cutts of Campden and Peter Clarke, as well as other businesses from Chipping Campden.

At the regional competition, which was held at the South Devon University near Exeter, the team set up their pit display, gave presentations to judges and raced their car on a 20m track.

Team Zoom achieved the fastest race time of 1.1 seconds and were awarded trophies for fastest car and best sponsorship and marketing, as well as achieving an overall second place on the podium.

After the success, Team Zoom is now busy preparing for the national finals on March 29 and 30, being held at the prestigious Silverstone circuit, with a chance to reach the international finals of the global competition.

To follow their progress see Facebook page Team Zoom or visit teamzoom.co.uk.