Formula One news
Surtees wants more youngsters in F1
20 February 20071964 world champion John Surtees strongly believes that Formula One needs more younger drivers to ensure a healthy future. The A1GP Team Britain principal is himself helping to nurture the career of his 15-year-old son Henry, who will be racing in Formula BMW this season.
"I think it's time for a change at the top level. We need more youngsters," said Surtees.
"What we need to do is give more youngsters an opportunity. It's where I think the structure of motorsport needs to be revised by the governing body and those at the top of motorsport. We need to give assistance to allow talent to develop in the lesser formulas.
"Some nations are more supportive than others, for example I think the French have been much more supportive of their young drivers than for instance the British. I think it's very important that motorsport has a strong future, because we have such a strong heritage of motorsport expertise that it is essential to GB Ltd," he added.
Despite Surtees's comments, Anthony Davidson and 22-year-old Lewis Hamilton will be joining the grid this season to bolster the British cause at the pinnacle of motorsport.
"What is important is that we get one or two British names at the top. Motorsport, compared to other sports does not get its fair share of media attention. Maybe Button, Davidson or young Hamilton will get there. There are a number of good youngsters out there, all coming through who could potentially raise the profile of the sport.
"It's difficult though. The British driver has the biggest problem, as there is so much competition for the sponsorship pound and this in turn is not helped by the lack of media attention. The media don't really consider what motorsport means to the country," he added.
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