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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Minister quits to race in Le Mans | Minister quits to race in Le Mans |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| Defence Minister Lord Drayson has taken a "leave of absence" from the government in a bid to take part in the world-famous 24-hour Le Mans race. | |
| He is resigning from his unpaid post to take part a series of qualifying events in the United States. | |
| A government spokesman said it was "a key step towards his eventual dream of success" in Le Mans. | A government spokesman said it was "a key step towards his eventual dream of success" in Le Mans. |
| Lord Drayson came second in the British GT championship this year, driving a "unique bio-ethanol fuelled" car. | |
| The millionaire businessman, who in 2004 was Labour's biggest individual donor, made his fortune in the technology sector. | |
| 'Once-in-a-lifetime' | |
| In a letter to Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Lord Drayson said: "As you know I have a passion for motor racing and over the past year have competed in the British GT championship racing a unique bio-ethanol fuelled race car, achieving a 'historic first' win for a green fuelled car and coming second overall in the championship. | |
| "A number of special circumstances have now presented me with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take my racing to the next level. | |
| "I have the opportunity to race next year in the American Le Mans series in the US, a key step towards my eventual dream of success in the Le Mans 24-hours endurance race." | |
| You are of course lucky to have that opportunity but you are showing your customary boldness and imagination by pursuing it Gordon BrownLord Drayson | |
| He said next year was the first time bio-ethanol cars would be allowed to compete, adding: "So this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase British motorsport technology for environmentally friendly racing." | |
| Lord Drayson also said: "Unfortunately it cannot be combined with the challenge of full time government office." | |
| Mr Brown wrote to say he was sorry to lose him and looked forward to "your return to government when your leave of absence ends". | |
| He added: "I understand your desire to take up the extraordinary opportunity which has now emerged to achieve your great life's ambition. | |
| "You are of course lucky to have that opportunity but you are showing your customary boldness and imagination by pursuing it." | |
| Lord Drayson's job as defence procurement minister job has gone, on a permament and paid basis, to Baroness Ann Taylor. |