The previous champions, including reigning MPG Marathon title-holders, Nick Chapman and Rosemary Homer from Leicestershire County Council, have all shown their ability to drive the latest cars and vans in the most environmentally friendly and cost-conscious manner.

But this year’s prestigious lean-driving challenge will also challenge motor racing stars to see if they are capable of curbing their normal aggressive driving styles and putting in competitive eco-driving performances.

‘It promises to be an absorbing contest this year and it will be fascinating to see how the two driving styles compete against each other,’ said event organiser, Ross Durkin,

The 2014 MPG Marathon, the 14th to date, is based at the luxurious Cotswold Water Park Four Pillars Hotel, near Cirencester, Gloucestershire.

This year’s 360-mile route begins at Cirencester and takes in the Brecon Beacons in Wales plus a number of points in between, but contestants are allowed to plan their own routes, provided they include a number of pre-agreed, fixed points, which make keen navigational skills vital.

For the first time this year, electric and hybrid vehicles are being included in three new classes: for pure electric vehicles, for range extenders and for plug-in hybrids.

They are joined by the more familiar diesel and petrol-engined cars and vans that traditionally take part in the event.

All cars are again fitted with TRACKER tracking equipment so that organisers know exactly where each car has been and how far it has travelled. To follow live progress, visit http://www.tracker.co.uk/mpgmarathon, get the latest Tweets on #MPGMarathon and visit https://www.facebook.com/MPGMarathon

Results will be revealed on Monday 13th October.