BRITISH PRIME MINISTER HONOURS MOTOR SPORT

British Prime Minister David Cameron hosted a reception at Number 10 Downing Street on November 20 to recognise the exceptional contribution motor sport and all its associated companies makes to the standing of Great Britain, and the British economy.

Encouraged by Lewis Hamilton winning the 2014 Formula One World Driver's Championship, Mr. Cameron met a large number of apprentices employed by British motor sport companies, as well as some of Britain's greatest motor sport luminairies including my good friends Sir Stirling Moss, Sir Jackie Stewart and Derek Bell MBE.

David Cameron and Derek Bell

The Prime Minister told Derek he was very impressed with his record of winning Le Mans five times, the Daytona 24 hour race three times and twice winning the World Sportscar Championship.

Also noted was Derek Bell's continuing efforts to promote the Bentley marque through his work as a Bentley Ambassador.

Speaking at the reception, David Cameron said: "Backing this nine billion pound a year industry, which supports many thousands of highly-skilled engineering jobs is a crucial part of our long-term economic plan to rebalance the economy.

That is why I am delighted to celebrate the success of British motor sport and its contribution to the economy."