Mansell steers F1 hopefuls on right track

Mansell who is ambassador to the Formula BMW UK Championship staged a masterclass to 14 drivers, aged between 16-19, who are all competing in this year's single-seater racing championship.

The day began with a personalised tour of Mansell's World of Racing Museum at the Woodbury Park Hotel and Golf Club, which provided an ideal platform for the former Formula One World Champion to pass on his experience and advice about making it to the top.

The teenagers watched Mansell's career highlights in the museum cinema before admiring his impressive trophy room and unique collection of racing memorabilia, including some of the cars he actually raced.

The afternoon was then spent at the nearby Mansell Raceway kart circuit in Dunkeswell, where the young drivers were given a chance to take on their racing hero at his home track.

Speaking about the day Mansell commented: "It's been great. I felt very strongly about wanting to make the day as relaxed and informal as possible so the guys felt able to ask whatever they wanted to help their future careers.

"There is some great talent amongst these youngsters and I can definitely see a few Lewis Hamiltons in the making."

Arundel, 19, commented: "Nigel was a world champion in the early '90s so I was a bit too young to appreciate it then.

"But it was great to see what he' achieved. It's been a very enjoyable day, the kart track was great fun."

After a great season of racing and a win under his belt, Arundel now prepares to head to Brands Hatch for the penultimate event of the season this weekend (August 18-19). He is second in the Championship, only nine points adrift of the leader