MODEL railway and racing car maker Hornby is hoping to add fuel to its sales revival with the launch of a Scalextric motorbike racing range.

The toy manufacturer's new models will be based on the 990cc four-stroke prototypes that race in the MotoGP World Championship, the Formula One of the motorbike world.

Scalextric has secured the worldwide exclusive licence from television and commercial rights holder, Dorna Sports, to produce sets and bikes in the liveries of the MotoGP teams.

The bikes, which will be designed to look and perform like the real MotoGP bikes, are expected to go on sale in spring next year.

Frank Martin, chief executive of Hornby, said: "MotoGP has a massive global fan base in many different countries, which we are determined to target.

"The fans are very dedicated and our research has demonstrated that they are very keen on buying accessories and associated merchandise."

A revival of interest in the company's model trains and racing cars saw turnover rise 20 per cent to £34.1m in the year to March 31, boosting the firm's pre-tax profits by 45 per cent to £5.4m.