Robert Newton was given open access to the F1 team’s state-of-the-art Grove head office as the winner of a Tyres & Accessories competition to promote the Firestone brand.

The trip enabled him to indulge his passion for fast cars and pick up some useful tips for one of his hobbies and business ventures – building rally cars.

"It was a brilliant day and a fantastic experience," said Robert, whose son Anthony accompanied him on the tour. "I’m a big motorsport fan with a passion for speed, and it was great to see some of the stunning cars that Williams has produced over the years.

"You get a real sense of history walking round the site, and I’m extremely grateful to Bridgestone for giving me the opportunity to view such a professional set up. Being able to see the cars so close up has certainly given me food for thought with my own projects."

Robert, of Hurst Green, near Etchingham, East Sussex, is a professional air-conditioning technician by trade with his own business. He entered the competition, which supported a brand-building and sales-orientated Firestone Together promotion, in the April issue of Tyres & Accessories.