There are many types of driver that will be looking for short term European cover over the summer: business people and holiday makers to name but two. One kind of vehicle driver, however, is not likely to find cover so easy to come by – namely those taking part in the 24 Hour Le Mans race in France.

The world famous endurance race is dominated by Peugeot and Audi, both of whom have delivered many winners during the competition's history, which began way back in 1923. But what makes this year's race extra-special is the fact that a hybrid car has entered the high octane action – for the first time ever.

Surely, you're thinking, a hybrid has no chance against the fearsome horsepower of Audi and Peugeot? True, the new technology is unlikely to beat such competition, but there are in fact sound commercial reasons for entering.

The company behind the car is called Hope Racing and they're based in Gruyere, Switzerland – a town more famous for the cheese than for endurance racing. The outfit have harnessed technology from Flybrid Systems, a UK company based near Silverstone, which is itself keen to showcase its wares on the Le Mans stage. Key to the system is using energy normally lost, such as with under braking, to power the engine.

Hope Racing operates with a budget of just 4 million pounds, which when compared to the funding enjoyed by Audi and Peugeot, is rather modest.

But with governments and the public in general calling for greener, more efficient motor cars, the appetite for hybrid technology is growing, and any company at the heart of its development may well profit hugely in the coming years.

So in the future, don't be surprised if your humble hybrid run-about has a touch of the Le Mans magic about it.