Scheme launched to find new F1 star

The competition has the backing of Essentially Sport, the company that manages Jenson Button. Entrants will compete for a seven-year management contract with the firm.

The competition was the concept of motor sport promoter Tim Matthews. "It became clear that motor sport in the UK was in general the privileged domain of the affluent minority," said Matthews. "How the hell do you get going if you're an enthusiast but with no money, a student perhaps or a guy with three kids. I was sure that there had to be someone out there who could be as good as Schumacher given the chance."

The evaluation process for the competition is expected to include karting, slalom runs, along with tests and race in Formula Renault and Sports 2000. The three finalists, picked by a panel of experts, will test a Thoroughbred Grand Prix Tyrrell 012, with the ultimate winner competing in a Thoroughbred Grand Prix race.

The driver search, which will be screened on Channel 5 next year, is open to anyone over the age of 16 and under 50.