SEVEN people had to be taken to hospital after a fire broke out at the Leafield Technical Centre last night. 

Four fire engines were called to the centre, where the Caterham Formula 1 motor racing team is based, at about 10.45pm. 

Firefighters entered the building and put out the fire – which is thought to have started accidentally.

Seven members of staff were treated on the scene by South Central Ambulance Service and taken to hospitals in Oxford and Swindon for smoke inhalation.

Incident commander Paul Molloy said: "While there was considerable smoke logging in the room, the swift action of the crews ensured the fire was confined to a milling machine."