PROTON will be giving up to 30,000 budding racing drivers their first taste of life in the fast lane this year following a deal with Octagon Motorsports.

An exclusive supply contract means 60 Lotus-engineered Satria Gtis have been delivered to Octagon for driver training, corporate activities and track support at Silverstone and Brands Hatch.

And Proton will become the first car manufacturer to operate a sales facility at Silverstone. Colin Low, managing director of Proton Cars, said: 'We might not be the first brand that springs to mind when pub talk turns to motor racing, but in the future we will se a change in our image as the benefits of Lotus-inspired ride and handling filter through.'