A 100mpg Honda Insight has been banned from the Formula 1000 rally championship for being too fast. Run by Oaktec, the hybrid has chalked up two wins and a second place from the first three rounds of the competition.

Six years in development, the Insight uses a tuned version of the standard car's petrol-electric powertrain to give more power and better fuel efficiency than the competition. In doing so it developed a 19-point lead before the championship organisers requested the team moved to a higher class to appease the opposition.

Oaktec specialises in the development of energy recovery systems and powertrain innovations for low carbon vehicles. The company had previously entered its Insight in a fuel economy competition where it achieved 82mpg, beating the next best car, a small diesel, by 17mpg.

Of its departure from the competition Oaktec boss Paul Andrews said: "It was a bit of a shock when I got the call as after six years of hard work we finally had our chance for a bit of glory. But I fully understand the perspective of the organisers and their wish not to spoil the sport for the other drivers."

Russell Campbell - 1 Jul 2011