Grapevine: Mansell to launch sons' race careers

Mansell will become the official ambassador for the Formula BMW UK championship and will help all drivers, including sons Greg, 17, and Leo, 21, to progress in the category.

Mansell, who recently made his racing comeback by winning the Grand Prix Masters event in South Africa, will attend several of the meetings next season, when his GPM commitments allow.

"Greg and Leo have both done some karting in recent years and they have shown that they can cut it at that level," Mansell said. "Both of them have decided separately that they would like to take their motorsport 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. The Formula BMW concept has only been running since 2002 but it has already produced a Formula One driver in the shape of Nico Rosberg, who won the 2002 championship in Germany.

"Greg and Leo have shown good pace in testing and we have high hopes for next season and beyond."

Greg and Leo have just two year's of karting experience before their single-seater debut.

Greg added: "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."

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.