PETTER Solberg's Subaru Impreza WRC was rushed back from its victorious exploits on the Swedish Rally to assist in a training weekend for marshall's at Goodwood Motor Circuit.

The Subaru was used to offer rescue crews the chance to practice their skills using the latest cars.

It was joined by an ex-Jenson Button BAR-Honda - the car used for last summer's London F1 demonstration) - as well as historic cars including a 1960 Lotus 20 Formula Junior (with a Goodwood pedigree), an AC Cobra and a Ford Fiesta.

The Response 2005 training weekend was the third of its type organised by the Southern Rescue Group, attracting crews from as far afield as the Midlands, Cornwall and even Jersey.

The Saturday featured life support lectures and demonstrations by doctors and paramedics, followed by the opportunity for crews to practice on training manikins.

Sunday focused on casualty handling and extrication techniques, including a instruction on the HANS Device, now mandatory in several UK series.

Response 2005 organiser and Goodwood Rescue Unit Crew chief Brian Janman said: "It is gratifying that major teams and individual owners recognise the importance of rescue and medical training, and that they are prepared to loan us fabulous cars.

"Without the support shown by organisations such as BAR and Prodrive, as well as facilities and funding from Goodwood, the Motor Sports Association, the British Motorsport Training Trust, and others, this type of event would not be possible."

For further details about the Southern Rescue Group see its website at www.southernrescuegroup.org