Motorsport engineers from around the world will be among the specialists gathering at Birmingham City University's city centre campus from next week to look at how elite auto engineering can help in the race to make road cars become even more efficient ahead of strict EU regulations.

McLaren and Caterham Formula One racing teams, plus Audi Sport and Drayson racing will be among the big names who will be providing an insight into some of the current challenges and opportunities that the motorsports industry is embracing.

The 2013 Race Tech World Motorsport Symposium aims to explore how pioneering engineering that helps racing cars reach their maximum potential can also be adopted by the mainstream auto industry.

To allow a free exchange of ideas competitive rivalries will be put aside for the two-day event on 7 -- 8 January, sponsored and hosted for the first time by Birmingham City University's Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment.

Developments in aerodynamics, tyre technology, fuel efficiency, engine management systems, new lightweight materials like carbon fibre, and powertrain systems will all be put under the spotlight to see how they can help the auto-makers meet strict the new European carbon reduction standards.

Academics at Birmingham City University are equally focused on developing green technology and one of its leading technology teams was recently awarded a national science grant to investigate the use of algae as an alternative fuel -- work conducted by the University's Centre for Low Carbon Research.

Professor Adrian Cole, lecturer in the Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment at Birmingham City University says; "We are delighted to be hosting the World Motorsport Symposium for the first time this year; Birmingham has been the natural home of the automotive industry in this country since Herbert Austin built the first all British four-wheel car in 1900.

"The Symposium is just one of a number of events during 2013 that Birmingham City University will be involved in that highlights the importance of the automotive industry to the region's future prosperity."

The University will be presenting at Autosport International, an annual motor racing exhibition held at Birmingham's NEC from 10^th to 13^th January. Catering for industry professionals and motorsport fans, the show allows visitors and exhibitors to meet and share their love of motor racing on all levels -- from Karting to Formula One. Birmingham City University will be exhibiting with industrial partner, Aquila Racing Cars a leading sportscar manufacturer from Denmark.

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• Automobile emissions control