Mansell considering stewards' panel role

The 1992 title-winner told the BBC that he had been in talks with the governing body following a new innovation for this year to get retired F1 drivers to give an authoritative opinion on incidents and penalties.

Mansell's former team-mate Damon Hill has already confirmed that he will assume the role at two races, while another of Mansell's stable-mates - Alain Prost - is in the role for this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix.

"I can honestly say that we've had a phone call, we've had a chat with the FIA," he said. "I think it is a marvellous idea what they are doing because if they can get world champions as a fourth steward, if there is a coming together they can give their input.

"Obviously then the other stewards can interpret the rules and deem what the final penalty will be but I just think is very smart to give it more credibility.

"Past world champions are in a position to do that, and all credit to the FIA and everybody thinking about it."