Grand Prix Masters series kicks off

Veteran racers to bang wheels this Sunday

Mansell testing (top and above)

Cornering's not that good...

Set your recorder for BBC2 at 4pm this Sunday 13 November. That's when the Grand Prix Masters race series kicks off, at the Kyalami circuit in South Africa, and the racing is expected to be fierce and closely fought -- and an antidote to the antiseptic world of F1.

Among the stars from the past taking part are our own Nigel Mansell, plus Emerson Fittipaldi, Alain Prost, Ricardo Patrese, Derek Warwick, Andrea de Cesaris, and Patrick Tambay. What's more there'll be the inimitable voice of one Murray Walker commentating. Just like the old days...

Walker explained his role: "When I retired in 2001, I vowed never ever to return to the commentary box and I sincerely meant it. Nobody made me retire but, after 53 years, I wanted to walk away with dignity while still being at the top of my game. It was a decision taken with a clear and relaxed conscience and, since retiring, I have been on the receiving end of many offers including some from several new motor racing championships. I have had the willpower to say ‘no’ to every offer proposed but my steely resolve melted away when Grand Prix Masters approached me.

"The Masters concept is a tried, tested and extremely successful formula in other sports and it works because it is personality-driven. This series is about people and characters, including some of the most famous names ever to grace a motor racing circuit.

"Watching Nigel Mansell and many other heroes climb back into thoroughbred grand prix cars this morning was very moving and surreal. It reinforced just how much I have missed being away and the thought of being at Kyalami in two weeks from now sends shivers down my spine! The Grand Masters series will be a huge success I’m sure and, after having seen these drivers and cars in action today, the fans are going to be bowled over by the spectacle that awaits them in two weeks from now. These cars boast over 600 horsepower which is way beyond what some of these drivers raced in the early 90s.

"The series will also travel to some fantastic circuits next year and I am thrilled to bringing the show into people’s living room’s once again,” said Walker.

The cars

The single-seaters are designed to have few driver aids and maximum grip. Designed and built by Delta Motorsport in Northamptonshire, UK, they'll be powered by a 600+bhp 80-degree 3.5-litre V8 Nicholson-McLaren-Cosworth engine. Nicholson McLaren developed this normally-aspirated version of the highly successful, turbocharged Cosworth XB Indycar engine, which offers maximum power at 10,400rpm while maximum torque of over 320lb-ft is achieved at 7,800rpm. It's said to combine compact dimensions, minimum weight, maximum strength with awesome power output. The 650Kg cars (excluding driver) will be equipped with a six-speed paddle shift gearbox and, at the opening race, drivers are expected to be exposed to cornering G forces of around 2.5G.

Electronic driver aids have been kept to a minimum -- there are no rev limiters, for example -- and a stable aerodynamic platform has been defined in an effort to maximise driver input, involvement and overtaking. This includes the use of AP cast iron brake discs with carbon-metallic pads to lengthen braking distances compared to F1's carbon discs.

With all the cars closely matched -- all weighing the same and with very similar setups -- it should make for a seriously exciting, closely fought race series.