Product Launch

RNS Number:5714R
Hornby PLC
03 November 2003



                          HORNBY LAUNCHES MotoGP RANGE

                            OF SCALEXTRIC MOTORBIKES




Hornby PLC, ("Hornby") the models and collectibles group, has today announced
that it is planning to launch a full range of Scalextric motorbike slot racing
products, based on the MotoGP World Championship. The range was previewed to the
Scalextric International Distributors' conference over the weekend of 1st /2nd
November in Valencia. This coincided with the final MotoGP race of the current
season, held also in Valencia yesterday.

MotoGP's global appeal is comparable to that of Formula One. It schedules 16
races worldwide every year and regularly attracts over 150,000 fans to races.
The estimated global TV audience for each Grand Prix is over 320 million and
there is a worldwide following for riders such as current world champion
Valentino Rossi, from Italy, Spaniard Sete Gibernau, Australian Troy Bayliss,
Japanese Shinya Nakano, Americans Colin Edwards and Nicky Hayden, France's
Olivier Jacque and Brazilian Alex Barros. Teams feature 990cc 4-stroke prototype
bikes made by manufacturers including Honda, Yamaha, Ducati, Suzuki, Aprilia and
Kawasaki.

Scalextric has secured from Dorna Sports, the series' commercial and TV rights
holders, the worldwide exclusive license to produce Scalextric sets and
individual bikes in the liveries of all the MotoGP teams and all of the riders.
Hornby expects that the products will be well received in countries across the
world especially in mainland Europe and Asia. First deliveries are expected
during the late Spring of 2004, to coincide with the early rounds of the 2004
MotoGP World Championship.

The Scalextric MotoGP bikes will be powered by a small electric motor that will
drive the rear wheel. Electricity will be delivered via a discrete guide blade
mounted between the wheels. The front wheel will be free spinning and in contact
with the track surface. The bikes have been designed to emulate the appearance
and performance of the real MotoGP bikes. This represents the first authentic
motorbike slot racing system and significantly widens the stable of Scalextric
products.
                                                                          
Frank Martin, Chief Executive of Hornby commented,

" This is a very exciting development for Scalextric. 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.

" This range of Scalextric MotoGP products will take us into major new markets.
MotoGP is especially strong in France, Spain, Italy, Australia and Japan. We
will be opening up a lucrative new market of enthusiasts who will be able to
collect and play with our very highly detailed models of their MotoGP heroes
such as Valentino Rossi.

" This major launch is once again testimony to our strategy of targeting licenses
and partnerships with the major Motor Sport brands. In Scalextric, we now have
ranges that cover Formula One, Le Mans, Touring Cars, World Rally, NASCAR and
Classic Retro cars. We have the capability to design and manufacture products
with considerable attention to detail. We are confident that these MotoGP
products will open up an entirely new market amongst fans of bike racing as well
as appealing to existing Scalextric fans."

                                     -ends-

Date: 3 November 2003

For further information contact:


Hornby Plc                                     City Profile Group

Frank Martin, Chief Executive                  Simon Courtenay

John Stansfield, Finance Director              020-7448-3244

01843-233500

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Web: www.hornby.com or:

www.scalextric.com
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