The official launch of a Norfolk-made biodiesel sports car has been cancelled at the 11th hour.

The official launch of a Norfolk-made biodiesel sports car has been cancelled at the 11th hour.

Trident Performance Vehicles, of Beeston, near Dereham, was due to unveil its 6.6lt V8 car, the Iceni, at the Forum, in Norwich, this morning prior to a 1,000-mile challenge on one tank of biodiesel fuel.

But the journey from Norfolk to Monaco by Trident sales director Kelly Bevan and motoring journalist Suzannah Sorrell was postponed yesterday following a “last-minute change of plan”.

The Norfolk company said the Iceni was still going to be displayed at this week's Top Marques Show. However, the car was now being transported to Monaco on the back of a lorry.

A spokesman added that the 1,000-mile challenge was being rescheduled for a later date.

“We are really sorry for the inconvenience caused, but it was out of our control,” she said.

“We have been let down by a supplier of a gearbox. However, the 1,000-mile run is going to happen and we hope to do it for the Monaco F1 Grand Prix next month,” she added.