A selection of motorists experienced a slightly different race earlier this month after sports car hire manufacturer Porsche put them through their paces at a weekend training camp.

Fifteen race drivers took part in the Fit to Race training weekend which was led by a team of sports scientists from the Porsche Human Performance Team and designed to improve driver's general well-being ahead of the 2010 race season.

Among the activities which the motorists took part in to boost their fitness levels included swimming, running, mountain biking and kayaking.

Manager of the Porsche Human Performance Centre Andy Blow, explained the benefits of a motor racing-based programme.

"It incorporates elements of aerobic fitness and endurance, strength, agility, core stability and balance, reactions, coordination and mobility but doesn't favour one area too much," he revealed.

"Training for motorsport offers great all round fitness and wellbeing."

The Human Development Centre was introduced by Porsche to enhance the performance of its racing drivers through a series of physically demanding training programmes.

Porsche will be running the course again next year and the camp will be open to anyone looking to improve their physical fitness.

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Posted by Daniel Foster