The car manufacturer has extended the incentive, also made at the Beijing Olympics, to all British medallists, as part of its ongoing sponsorship with UK Athletics.

The British team won five medals at the last World Championships in Osaka two years, including a gold for Christine Ohuruogu, who claimed the 400 metres ahead of team-mate Nicola Sanders.

One of the leading medal contenders is heptathlete, Jessica Ennis, who is currently leading the world rankings, the 23-year old from Sheffield, missed the Beijing Olympics due to injury, but has returned to spectacular form, scoring a personal best in May of 6,587 points.

Olympic silver medallist and world indoor champion, triple jumper Phillips Idowu will also be bidding for gold and the chance to be given a car, which medallists will be allowed to keep for a minimum of six months.

Damien Dally, the Brand Communications Manager of Alfa Romeo, said: “Passion, performance and pride are at the sporting heart of Alfa Romeo and we wanted to show our support to the athletes as they head to the World Championships.

"We wish all the athletes every success and hope to be handing out as many cars as possible on their return from Berlin."

Steve Backley, the former world record holder for the javelin, who now acts as a performance advisor British team and drives an Alfa Saloon 1.9, said: “There’s no doubt that the title of world champion is motivation enough for these athletes but the chance of winning a car is certainly a huge bonus."