Mansell's sons take first step on F1 ladder

Former champion Nigel Mansell's two sons will take their first step on the ladder to F1 next year by competing in the junior Formula BMW series.

"The Formula BMW concept has only been running since 2002 but it has already produced an F1 driver in the shape of Nico Rosberg," said the 1992 world champion in a statement yesterday.

Greg and Leo, aged 17 and 21 respectively, join a list of sons of F1 champions following their fathers into motorsport.

Rosberg, son of 1982 champion Keke, will race for Williams next year while Nelson Piquet, Niki Lauda, Alan Jones and Jody Scheckter all have sons competing in open-wheel series.