Fittipaldi seeks Silverstone revenge

Fittipaldi, Formula One world champion in 1972/4, finished a narrow second in the opening round of the series, which aims to emulate the success of similar tours for former tennis and golf stars, and 12th and last classified finisher after a variety of woes in the sweltering 'Race in the Desert'.

"Silverstone may be Nigel's home track, but the last time I finished there (1975), I won. I raced there again in 1977 and '79, but retired, so have some unfinished business there and am really itching to get back in a cockpit there," the Brazilian told autosport.com.

"I believe Nigel's wins at Kyalami and Qatar were lucky. At Kyalami I wasn't even sure whether I would be medically cleared until I got to South Africa, and I finished right behind him.

"In Qatar we had a shock absorber problem during qualifying, which we only managed to fix shortly before the start, then I had an electrical problem in the race."

Fittipaldi conceded, though, that Mansell could have an advantage at Silverstone.

"But it is not what we call 'home advantage', (it is) simply that in my day Silverstone was a fast, open circuit, whereas now it has a lot more corners and is slower. I didn't race on the layout as it is now whereas Nigel did, but it is easier to go slowly than fast."

Quadruple champion Alain Prost and US legend Mario Andretti top the Brazilian's personal wish list of additions to the 16-strong band of GPM competitors, whilst Fittipaldi believes 1998/9 champion Mika Hakkinen (38) will eventually be attracted by the series, which is open to former F1 drivers aged 45 years and over.

"I wish we could make a special exception for Mika. I would really like to race against him," Fittipaldi said.