JCB is in pole position to play a vital role supporting Williams Martini Racing with machines built by Uttoxeter people as the team tours the top European Formula One circuits.

Last week, ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, a convoy of JCB machinery left factories around the Uttoxeter area on a 9,000-mile summer road trip to help the JCB-sponsored team in the build-up to race days.

Four JCB machines have key parts to play in ensuring the team is ready to race at every European circuit this summer.

The JCB Teletruk telescopic forklift will offload race components, including the vital engine elements and garage kit before each race, as well as aid with the post-race pack up.

A JCB machine helping transport Williams Martini Racing equipment to an F1 grand prix.



In addition, a S1930E scissor lift will help with the safe construction of a spectacular three-story "motorhome" - made up of nine 20-foot containers - that is the drivers', engineers' and support staff's base at the European circuits.

The scissor lift will offer a secure platform for teams to work at height during construction and throughout the duration of the event.

Meanwhile, two JCB G150RS generators will provide power for the motorhome, which is kitted out with meeting rooms, rest facilities, an exclusive rooftop hospitality suite and a fully operational kitchen where breakfast, lunch and dinner is made each day for hundreds of people.

JCB head of sponsorship Edd Hood said: "Behind every great racing team is a great back-up crew. JCB has the perfect range of equipment to support Williams Martini Racing; machines provide the muscle to build the team’s temporary home and generators power it once constructed.

"There is real synergy between Williams Martini Racing and JCB, each offering engineering excellence on and off the track."

Williams Martini Racing Formula One driver Lance Stroll will share some of the secrets of his sporting success during a visit to JCB and the JCB Academy.
Pictured: Lance Stroll at the JCB academy.
F1 driver Lance Stroll at the JCB academy

Claire Williams, deputy team principal at Williams Martini Racing, said: "It’s great to further strengthen our relationship with JCB by using more equipment for our 2018 European race programme.

"The quality of these machines signifies an understanding of the highest levels of professionalism needed to support all aspects of Formula One. Knowing JCB has the coverage to support us from Silverstone to Speilberg, Monaco to Milan is fantastic."

Stops for the JCB branded lorry and equipment on its European tour include France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Silverstone, Italy and Belgium.

More about Williams and JCB's partnership

Apprentice Ellamae Gibson, of Uttoxeter, with the Williams Martini F1 car sponsored by JCB
Apprentice Ellamae Gibson, of Uttoxeter, with the Williams Martini F1 car sponsored by JCB

JCB sponsors Williams Martini Racing after signing a new deal for this season. The digger giant's name had also appeared on the high-octane car last season.

But the partnership between the two goes beyond just a cash-for-exposure arrangement - and both parties are certainly benefiting from working together.

As outlined above, Williams is getting the full benefit of JCB's fleet of sophisticated machines, which offer great support for transporting vital equipment to and from tracks.

And the prestigious British team is paying Uttoxeter's biggest employer back for its support with a host of educational opportunities for JCB workers.

Those workers include apprentices, who have been given a unique insight into how the F1 team's incredible car is put together by visiting engineers.

And JCB Academy students were awestruck last year when 19-year-old wonder-kid Williams driver Lance Stroll turned up with the team's car.

He spoke at length to the students about his career and fanatical interest in vehicle engineering.

Stroll is tipped for greatness after being the youngest-ever F1 driver to achieve a podium finish last year.