Mansell rises again
Nigel's sons head for open-wheel championship
Nigel, Leo and Greg Mansell
BMW UK has announced an "exclusive partnership" with F1's 1992 world champion, Nigel Mansell, who is set to join the Formula BMW UK championship as ambassador and help groom future F1 stars, including his two sons Greg (17) and Leo (21), who look set to compete in the open-wheel championship.
The education and coaching programme introduces talented young drivers to the demands of professional motor racing. As well as driving tuition and mentoring from Mansell, drivers receive tuition on other important aspects of the sport like physical fitness, technology, sponsorship and media training.
Greg and Leo have only just started to walk in their father’s footsteps, with just two years' karting experience, although the junior Mansells were both faster than the lap record in a Formula BMW at Pembrey, despite it being the first time either of them had driven this type of car.
Nigel will be attending race meets and training session throughout next season. Commenting on his sons’ debut in the championship, Mansell said: "Greg and Leo have both done some karting in recent years and they have shown that they can cut it at that level. Both of them have decided separately that they would like to take their motor sport careers to the next level. We spent time together looking for the best championship for them to compete in and Formula BMW fits that bill perfectly."
Mansell said: "The Formula BMW concept has only been running since 2002 but it has already produced an F1 driver in the shape of Nico Rosberg, who won the 2002 Formula BMW ADAC Championship in Germany. Greg and Leo have shown good pace in testing and we have high hopes for next season and beyond."
Greg Mansell said: "Dad has always been very supportive of what we have done but he has never tried to force Leo or I into motor sport. Dad was actually keen for me to pursue a career in Golf, but he is delighted that I have decided to compete in Formula BMW and it is great to have his backing."
Nigel Mansell will start his ambassador role at the inaugural Formula BMW World Final in Bahrain this weekend. Young racing drivers from the four regional Formula BMW series will compete against each other. The winner will get a test drive with the BMW Sauber F1 Team. Mansell will drive demonstration laps in a BMW M1 ProCar in front of the crowd. Greg and Leo will also get another chance to test the Formula BMW in Bahrain before they start the 2006 season.
Background
The standard FB02 race car using the series is propelled by a 140bhp BMW engine up to 144mph and exceeds the FIA safety requirements for its class. BMW Motorsport has developed the FORS Formula Rescue Race Seat especially for the formula, while the F1-derived HANS safety system is also mandatory.
In 2005, Formula BMW was staged five times as part of the Formula One support programme. All the series offer a multi-faceted education and coaching programme as well as sponsorship for promising racing talents. The best-known alumni of this talent hothouse are F1 drivers Ralf Schumacher, Christian Klien and Nico Rosberg.
dino ferrana said:
I wonder how quick the junior Mansells will be? I don't imagine Dad was willing to put the family name on the line if they are rubbish!
and moreso, if one has brought one's own sons up properly *they'd* not want to show the family name up either, so I'm betting they'll both be trying their hardest to make a Mansell a champion again.
I say good for them and best wishes
trackcar said:
I wonder how quick the junior Mansells will be? I don't imagine Dad was willing to put the family name on the line if they are rubbish!
and moreso, if one has brought one's own sons up properly *they'd* not want to show the family name up either, so I'm betting they'll both be trying their hardest to make a Mansell a champion again.
I say good for them and best wishes
Absolutely!
I wonder when they will grow the required moustache?
There's no denying that they're his kids is there! Bloody spits...
mutt k said:
I have vague memories of him saying yonks ago that he would not want to his kids to go into motor racing. Ho hum.
He may still think that but it is not his decision is it?
Good luck to them but which one will be granted the honour of the red number 5??
>> Edited by mk1fan on Thursday 15th December 10:07
Nige was fantastic on Top Gear and it'll be great to see both of his sons do well in the Championship in 2006.
I for one have had enough of the Schumachers - it would be brilliant to see both the Mansells in F1 - let's see if Bernie and the others will do a deal in 2007/2008...!
Oh and just one other thought - aside from Jim Clark, our Nige is by far the best/greatest British F1 driver ever...and he's proved how great he is with The Masters, Indy Cars, Touring Cars, Ice Racing, F1 and the junior ranks...
I for one hope both his sons follow in his footsteps and achieve tremendous success.
Good luck Guys - Go For It!
anmb1 said:
It's brilliant to see the Mansell name associated with the best of British Motorsport.
Nige was fantastic on Top Gear and it'll be great to see both of his sons do well in the Championship in 2006.
I for one have had enough of the Schumachers - it would be brilliant to see both the Mansells in F1 - let's see if Bernie and the others will do a deal in 2007/2008...!
Oh and just one other thought - aside from Jim Clark, our Nige is by far the best/greatest British F1 driver ever...and he's proved how great he is with The Masters, Indy Cars, Touring Cars, Ice Racing, F1 and the junior ranks...
I for one hope both his sons follow in his footsteps and achieve tremendous success.
Good luck Guys - Go For It!
are you serious? the best/greatest F1 driver ever?!? ahead of Hawthorn, Surtees, Moss, Bell, Stewart and Hill Sr?!?!
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