THE head of one of the most prestigious car manufacturers in the world has thrown his support behind the long-delayed Circuit of Wales project.

Last year Aston Martin announced it would open a new factory at an-ex Ministry of Defence facility in St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan.

And now the company's president Andrew Palmer has written to first minister Carwyn Jones urging him to give the £425 million Circuit of Wales project, which has been beset by delays, the green light.

The race track was originally expected to be up and running by 2016, but has twice been turned down by the Welsh Government, with a third bid currently under consideration.

Although economy and infrastructure secretary Ken Skates had previously said he expected to be able to make a decision on the application in March, no decision has yet been made, with some saying it is now likely this will not happen until after next month’s General Election.

In his letter Mr Palmer said “I understand you are close to a final decision on the Circuit of Wales investment.

“I wanted to add my full support for this project as another valuable tool to drive economic growth in Wales.

“St Athan will start production by the end of 2019 and from that time onwards I can se Aston Martin using a facility like the Circuit of Wales for customer driving days, owners club meetings and potentially some high speed and dynamic vehicle evaluation and engineering testing.

“I hope you are successful in bringing together the various constituents to realise the Circuit of Wales opportunity.”

This is the second luxury car firm to back the scheme after TVR, which is opening a new facility in Ebbw Vale adjacent to the planned site of the Circuit of Wales, also urged the first minister to give the scheme the go-ahead.

The Welsh Automotive Forum has also called for the project to move ahead.

The Welsh Government has said the revised bid is currently under consideration.

In 2012 the scheme was handed a £2 million Welsh Government grant, and later a £7.3 million loan guarantee.