They are electric, radio controlled, pretty nippy and represent a British icon.

They are the three "mini Minis" introduced to the field of play to shuttle javelins, discuses, shots and hammers from the field back to the throwing area.

BMW say that the vehicles — approximately a quarter scale of the full sized version — will save valuable time during the competition.

Specially trained Gamesmakers are operating the cars — but from what I saw they could still do with a bit of practice.

One drove into a microphone and distance marker on Saturday evening, knocking them askew.

However, it doesn't sound like it is all hard work for the little cars who are expected to cover about 6-kilometers per four hour shift — a member of the stadium staff whispered to me that when everyone had left on Friday night the mini Minis were seen racing each other down the athletics track.

— Fergus Bell — Twitter http://twitter.com/fergb

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EDITOR'S NOTE — "Eyes on London" shows you the Olympics through the eyes of Associated Press journalists across the 2012 Olympic city and around the world. Follow them on Twitter where available with the handles listed after each item.