The Bloodhound project has announced a delay in its attempt to break the land speed record at Hakskeen Pan, in South Africa.

The date for the start of the campaign has been pushed back to 2017. In 2014, it was estimated that the series of runs to break the record would start in 2015.

The UK-based project team says the Bloodhound supersonic car (SSC) will face runway trials in the UK this year, with the first (800 m/h) record attempt projected to take place in South Africa the following year.

The ultimate goal, over a period of several months, is to reach a speed of 1 609 km/h, or 1 000 m/h.

The current world land-speed record of 1 228 km/h (763 m/h) is held by the Thrust SSC, a UK team led by project director Richard Noble and driver Andy Green – the same team that will tackle the new record attempt.

The delay in the record-breaking attempt comes as a number of major funding deals are still under negotiation.

“The most difficult part is behind us. We have designed and built the world’s ultimate racing car and prepared the best land-speed racing track in history,” says Noble.

“We have also created a successful inspiration programme operating in 33 countries around the world.

“What we need now are the funds to run the car, and money is just a function of perseverance and timing.

“Doing something truly unique on a global scale with such high technology is never easy – ask Richard Branson or Elon Musk, but that makes the story we are sharing with millions of supporters all the more interesting.”

Noble says the Bloodhound project is achieving its primary goal “without the car running”.

“We are turning kids on to science and engineering. Over 100 000 children took part in Bloodhound lessons or events in the UK last year, with many more involved internationally.

“Further up the age range, universities involved with the project have reported significant increases in the number of students applying to study engineering.”