A HAMPSHIRE racing driver is revving up for success after landing sponsorship from a Whiteley-based telecoms firm.

Matt Bell, from Winchester, has secured a £5,000 deal to carry the OneCom logo on the front of his car as he battles to remain in the Formula 4 Championship.

The 23-year-old, who relies on sponsorship to fund his racing career, began karting in 1999, winning multiple titles including the Super 1 National Junior Intermediates Championship in 2005.

In 2007 he made the move to single seaters with the Formula BMW UK series, competing in six races before taking part in the BMW World Final.

Budget constraints forced him to stop racing in 2011 – but he returned in 2012 with a successful debut in the Radical Clubman’s Cup, finishing third overall after securing six wins, six podium places and two new lap records.

As previously reported, up to 70 new jobs were created after two firms merged to create Solent Business Park-based OneCom – one of the largest independent providers of mobile voice and data, fixed line, IT and unified communications solutions.

Chief executive Darren Ridge said: “Matt is a great lad and when he approached us for sponsorship I had no hesitation in supporting him.

“We’re really proud to support him and can’t wait to see our OneCom logo on his car – hopefully at the front of the pack.”

Matt added: “This sponsorship is going to make a huge difference to me and will help with the costs of running the car.

“I’m hugely grateful to OneCom for their support.”