Lexus is bringing back the Celebrity Challenge race to the 2011 Formula 1™ Qantas Australian Grand Prix after the event’s two-year hiatus with its soon-to-be-launched CT 200h hybrid hatchback.

The Lexus CT 200h Celebrity Challenge will feature 27 all-new Lexus CT 200h hybrids racing around Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit this March.

Significantly, the Celebrity Challenge will be the first hybrid-only race staged globally and will mark the introduction of the all-new compact luxury hybrid to the Australian luxury market.

The hybrid-only race also coincides with the reintroduction of Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) to Formula 1™ race vehicles.

KERS, like in a hybrid vehicle, captures energy and stores it for use later in the race to boost engine power.

In a new initiative, made possible by the Lexus CT 200h, two celebrities will have the opportunity to win – one for outright position and the other for the Le Mans-inspired “index of efficiency” concept, by measuring fuel use during the race.2011 will be the first time Lexus has been involved with the event.

Lexus Australia's Corporate Manager in charge of marketing and aftersales, Peter Evans, said the event offered Lexus the perfect opportunity to launch the all-new luxury hybrid.

“CT 200h is a fun yet frugal sports luxury hybrid hatch. The Celebrity Challenge gives Lexus the ability to demonstrate that hybrids can be fun to drive – while still being environmentally conscious,” Mr Evans said.