Ultimate gas guzzler targets 1690km/h

The Bloodhound team are using a Cosworth F1 engine as a glorified fuel pump as part of their rocket-powered Land Speed Record attempt. Photo / Supplied

The Bloodhound SSC rocket car, aiming for a 1609km/h land speed record next year, uses a Cosworth Formula One V8 to drive the rocket's oxidiser fuel pump, which must deliver 1.5 tonnes of rocket fuel in 23 seconds.

The rocket drinks 800 litres of fuel during a 20sec run.

The propulsion system for this awesome experiment in automotive insanity was revealed at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.

It consists of a custom-designed Falcon hybrid rocket, the Cosworth CA2010 F1 engine, a pump adapted from a Blue Steel cruise missile and a HTP (High Test Peroxide) oxidiser tank.

An upcoming test will be the largest firing of a rocket in the UK for two decades.

The rocket is four metres long, 45.7cm in diameter and weighs just 400kg. Designed by a self-taught engineer, 27-year-old Daniel Jubb from Manchester, the Falcon will provide 27,500lbs of thrust - equivalent to about 645 family sedans.

Driver Andy Green is able to shut off the flow of HTP oxidiser and extinguish the rocket if things go pear-shaped.

Combined with the car's EJ200 jet, it will go from stop to 1690km/h (1050mph) in 45 seconds.

So, Mr Vettel, you thought you were a bit quick?