SEPTEMBER 3, 2007

And still they come

Being the son of a famous father in motor racing is something that the drivers look upon as a disadvantage, as it makes them feel that they must prove that they would be good enough to make it even if they did not have a celebrated father.

Being the son of a famous father in motor racing is something that the drivers look upon as a disadvantage, as it makes them feel that they must prove that they would be good enough to make it even if they did not have a celebrated father.

The reality is that connections are hugely important both in terms of the teams and the sponsors and many sons of famous fathers get opportunities that others with similar talent levels do not and are thus able to move up the racing ladder.

In recent years we have seen a large number of sons of famous fathers appearing in the sport with Jacques Villeneuve and Damon Hill having been followed by Nelson Piquet Jr, Nico Rosberg and Markus Winkelhock. Others are trying to make it to F1, notably the Mansell brothers and Adrien Tambay. A little quieter in his approach has been Nicolas Prost, who has been racing for some years in Spain, out of the limelight. He is now moving up the ladder as well with the news that he will be one of the drivers with A1 Team France in the forthcoming A1GP Series. Prost Jr will take part in practice sessions throughout the year and will probably be drafted in to race on occasion if regular driver Nicolas Lapierre is not available.