Product Launch

Hornby PLC
09 December 2005



                 HORNBY SECURES EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE SLOT RACING
                            RIGHTS TO A1 GRAND PRIX


Hornby Plc ('Hornby'), the models and collectables group, has announced that it
has secured the exclusive worldwide distribution rights of A1 Grand Prix to
produce a range of slot car racing products, under its Scalextric brand. A1
Grand Prix is the new format of motorsport pitting teams from twenty-five
nations in direct competition with each other. The teams drive cars that are
technically identical.

Global interest in the new A1 Grand Prix series, the World Cup of Motorsport has
been extremely strong. The twelve races are staged all over the world and are
followed by a global television audience. The populations of the twenty five
nations competing, represent 80% of the world's population. The A1 Grand Prix 
of Nations, Dubai Autodrome, UAE takes place over the weekend of 9-11 December.

Hornby has secured the exclusive global rights to distribute A1 Grand Prix slot
racing merchandise until the end of 2008. It expects to launch a range of slot
cars in national liveries and a number of complete Scalextric racing sets
featuring two or more cars from local nations. Hornby expects sales to commence
in mid-2006.

Frank Martin, Chief Executive of Hornby commented,

' A1 Grand Prix is the most exciting development in motorsport in recent years,
pitting nation against nation on a level playing field. This exclusive global
license with A1 Grand Prix is an excellent opportunity for Scalextric. Given the
global reach of this new, exciting motorsport format, it is rapidly gaining a
very large following in many nations that are increasingly attracted to
international motorsport.

' There are excellent opportunities for us to extend our distribution footprint
outside our traditional Western markets to new countries such as China, India
and Pakistan, each of which has its own A1 Grand Prix team.

' As awareness of A1 Grand Prix grows around the world we are confident that we
can build on the successful distribution model we have established in the UK and
Europe, to expand into new markets.'


 * High resolution images are available for the media by contacting Andrew 
Harris of cityPROFILE. 

                                     -ends-

Date: 9 December 2005
For further information contact:

Hornby Plc                                              cityPROFILE
Frank Martin, Chief Executive                           Simon Courtenay
John Stansfield, Finance Director                       Andrew Harris
01843-233500                                            020-7448-3244
www.hornby.com or www.scalextric.com




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