A CAR attempting to break the 1,000mph barrier is to undergo testing in the desert.

The Bloodhound supersonic car, which has been built at SGS Berkeley Green University Technical College, will now be flown out to the Hakskeen Pan in South Africa, where the team will aim to reach speeds of 500mph during October and November.

The desert tests will provide crucial data on the car's performance, handling and braking before an attempt on the current 763mph land speed record in 12 to 18 months' time.

While the team will be expecting Bloodhound to achieve high speeds in South Africa, it’s more about how well the car slows down said Mark Chapman, the project’s engineering director.

“South Africa is all about stopping.

"Slowing down before you run out of desert, that’s difficult."

For these initial tests, the track will only be 8.5 miles long, although when it returns for the record attempt, the track will be extended to 13 miles.

Testing comes a year after the project went into administration before being rescued last December by entrepreneur Ian Warhurst.

Mr Warhurst said: “Something which has been talked about and planned for so long is now really happening.

“This is engineering at its best and I look forward to everyone joining us online as the action unfolds this autumn.”

Berkeley Green students were invited along to watch the final UK tests on Monday.

The new Headteacher of SGS Berkeley Green, and former head of Sixth Form at Castle and Marlwood schools, Louise Davies, said: "The Bloodhound encapsulates our ethos.

"Our specialist curriculum and emphasis on pairing vocational and academic learning gives our students a real advantage when it comes to applying for jobs or further study in engineering and digital technology.

"We aim to inspire them to become the pioneers of the future."

The school is holding an open day from 10am-1pm on Saturday.

Contact office@berkeleygreenutc.org.uk or call 0800 470 1516 for further information.