NIGEL MANSELL’S two sons will take their first steps towards become Formula One stars under his watchful eye.

For the Jersey-resident and 1992 World Champion is set to join the Formula BMW UK Championship as an ambassador to help groom future F1 stars, including his sons Greg (17) and Leo (21).

The world of motor sport thought it had seen the last of the name Mansell emblazoned on the side of a Formula One car when Nigel retired in 1994.

But the possibility of that famous name finding its way back into motor sport’s top flight is now much stronger, with his sons Greg and Leo set to compete against other stars of the future in the Formula BMW UK Championship.

Formula BMW is the world’s leading entry-level class in Formula racing.

The BMW Education and Coaching Programme introduces talented young drivers to the demands of professional motor racing.

As well as driving tuition and mentoring from Mansell, drivers receive tuition on other important aspects of the sport like physical fitness, technology, sponsorship and media training.

Despite their father’s illustrious motor sport career, Greg and Leo have only just started to walk in their father’s footsteps, with just two years karting experience.

However, starting late has proved to be no impediment to Leo and Greg who have shown that they have more than just the name in common with their father.

At a recent test the junior Mansells were both faster than the previous fastest Formula BMW lap at Pembrey race circuit, despite it being the first time either of them had driven this type of car.

To support Formula BMW, Mansell senior will be attending race meets and training sessions throughout next season.

Commenting on his sons’ debut in the UK Championship he said: ‘Greg and Leo have both done some karting in recent years and they have shown that they can cut it at that level.

Both have decided separately that they would like to take their motor sport careers to the next level.

We spent time together looking for the best championship for them to compete in and Formula BMW fits that bill perfectly.’ Mansell continued: ‘The Formula BMW concept has only been running since 2002 but it has already produced an F1 driver in the shape of Nico Rosberg, who won the 2002 Formula BMW ADAC Championship in Germany.

Greg and Leo have shown good pace in testing and we have high hopes for next season and beyond.’ Said Greg: ‘Dad has always been very supportive of what we have done but he has never tried to force Leo or I into motor sport.

Dad was actually keen for me to pursue a career in golf, but he’s delighted that I’ve decided to compete in Formula BMW and it’s great to have his backing.’ Nigel Mansell will start his ambassador role at the inaugural Formula BMW World Final in Bahrain this weekend.

Young racing drivers from the four regional Formula BMW series will compete against each other.

The winner will get a test drive with the BMW Sauber F1 Team.

Mansell will show demonstration laps in a BMW M1 ProCar in front of the crowd.

Greg and Leo will also get another chance to test the Formula BMW in Bahrain before they start the 2006 season.