Grapevine: Renault Pick Drivers for F1 Stardom

Renault on Wednesday revealed four drivers as their bright young hopefuls for future Formula One success.

The French car giant will return to Grand Prix racing next year as a full manufacturer and they are determined to ensure future long-term success by training young drivers through the ranks to Formula One.

There were no Britons featured in the selection, which included drivers from France, Poland, Brazil and the Netherlands plucked from a two-day test at Estoril last October.

Dutchman Carlo Van Dam will compete in a karting championship, Eric Salignon and Robert Kubica will race in the French and European Formula Renault championships, and Fabio Carbone will take part in French Formula Three as they await their chance in F1.

"All the candidates who attended the test were extremely talented and motivated," said Renault's Driver Development Programme manager Bruno Michel.

"It was a difficult choice for us, based not only on driving skills but also maturity, adaptability and the ability to realise potential."