MAY 11, 2002

Sullivan launches F1 driver scheme

AS we exclusively revealed a month ago former F1 driver Danny Sullivan has launched a scheme to find an American driver for Formula 1. The program is to be backed by the Red Bull energy drink company. The initiative is the first step toward an All-American F1 Racing Team, which Red Bull has been trying to promote in the last year.

It is nine years since Michael Andretti tried to make it in Formula 1 as team mate to Ayrton Senna at McLaren in 1993. Michael's timing was bad as McLaren was not successful that year and going up against Senna was probably a mistake as Andretti was never really able to get to grips with the pace of the Brazilian star.

"We're fully convinced America has a wealth of young drivers with the desire, talent and discipline to race - and win - in F1," said Sullivan, "but they really don't know the hows, wheres or whats needed to get there. The Red Bull F1 Driver Search Initiative is a huge step in putting an end to this."

Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has thrown his support behind the program saying he is "very pleased with the initiative".

Details of the drivers involved will be announced later.