Mansell considering running F3 team

The former World Champion is getting back heavily involved in the sport as his sons Greg and Leo embark on their careers in Formula BMW, and he has admitted that there is a chance of an actual Mansell team being set-up.

"We might develop Mansell Motorsport at the end of this year, in the lower formulae, but it will not be for F1," he said at a sponsor function with Unipart on Thursday.

When asked whether that would likely be for Formula Three in 2007, Mansell said: "Yes, possibly."

Mansell has admitted that a move to F3 is likely for his sons next year, providing they enjoy a successful season in Formula BMW this season.

"The natural progression is to enter F3 and then maybe possibly GP2, but maybe it will be a year in F3 in the British series and a year in the International Series (F3 Euroseries), but the key thing is to learn the circuits.

"You obviously have to step up the plate, but it is a bit premature and you have to take one step at a time. We are on this magnificent journey now that I started 30 years ago now."

Mansell's appetite for F3 was whetted recently when he joined his sons for a test in F3 machinery - something which left the Briton very impressed.

"I wanted to give them (his sons) a taste of power, so when they step back they will have more time to control the car and to drive it.

"For me personally, the biggest thing was I wanted to see how they were going to do because I wanted my mind made up on a couple of things - and they made my mind up.

"I went in the car as well. It is fantastic. I couldn't believe how lovely it was, although I couldn't fit in it very well!"