POOLE-based telecommunications firm VoIP Unlimited has become the title sponsor for a team of ambitious Southampton University students taking part in Formula Student 2015.

The motorsport competition sees universities from across the globe given just nine months to design and build a single-seat race car from scratch before racing it at Silverstone in July next year.

The crucial four days consist of static events with presentations in business, design, and cost and sustainability, followed by scrutineering including brake, skid pad and acceleration tests before the big race on the final day.

The sponsorship further strengthens VoIP Unlimited's links with motor racing, with the firm already providing VoIP services to Formula One teams.

VoIP Unlimited managing director Mark Pillow said: "We are incredibly excited to be sponsoring Southampton University's team for Formula Student 2015. It's a very worthy challenge for the engineering students and I'm really looking forward to seeing their progress.

"Working with Formula One professionals before has given us a huge appreciation for the skills that go into producing a state-of-the-art race car."

The event presents an opportunity for students to demonstrate their technical, engineering design and manufacturing skills to deliver a complex and integrated product in the demanding environment of a motorsport competition.

Hands-on involvement in the Formula Student event sets these undergraduates up for a potential career in motorsport upon finishing university.

Dan Castro, team leader of the Southampton University Formula Student Team (SUFST) added: "We are very excited about gaining the support of VoIP Unlimited which will help us to become a more prominent and recognised team within Formula Student.

"Their financial and technical support will allow us to be more creative and to pursue our long-term goal of being a front-running British team. We are looking forward to a successful and enjoyable year at SUFST with VoIP Unlimited as a team partner."

VoIP Unlimited is also a supporter of Dorset's 'Enterprise and Skills Challenge', an employability skills programme designed to encourage and inspire entrepreneurial behaviour in young people.