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Minister quits to race in Le Mans Minister quits to race in Le Mans
(about 1 hour 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.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.
The 47-year-old is resigning from his unpaid post to take part a series of qualifying events in the United States. The 47-year-old is resigning from his unpaid post to take part in 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.Lord Drayson came second in the British GT championship this year, driving a "unique bio-ethanol-fuelled" car.
'Once-in-a-lifetime''Once-in-a-lifetime'
The American Le Mans series involves four different classes of car, with the winner of each class going on to take part in the main 24-hour race, in France.The American Le Mans series involves four different classes of car, with the winner of each class going on to take part in the main 24-hour race, in France.
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.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."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.""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 BrownIn letter to Lord DraysonYou are of course lucky to have that opportunity but you are showing your customary boldness and imagination by pursuing it Gordon BrownIn letter to Lord 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."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, who in 2004 was Labour's biggest individual donor, having made a fortune in the technology business, said: "Unfortunately it cannot be combined with the challenge of full-time government office."Lord Drayson, who in 2004 was Labour's biggest individual donor, having made a fortune in the technology business, 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".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.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.""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 permanent and paid basis, to Baroness Ann Taylor.Lord Drayson's job as defence procurement minister job has gone, on a permanent and paid basis, to Baroness Ann Taylor.
The Le Mans 24-hour race has been held since 1923. Teams have to include at least three drivers to prevent fatigue.The Le Mans 24-hour race has been held since 1923. Teams have to include at least three drivers to prevent fatigue.
The American series started in 1999.The American series started in 1999.