F1 hopefuls keep it in family

FATHER-AND-SON racing duo Phil and Stephen Kendall will take part in the third round of the Shell Optimax F1 Drivers Challenge this week in pursuit of their dream of racing a Formula One car. The annual event gives the man in the street the opportunity

FATHER-AND-SON racing duo Phil and Stephen Kendall will take part in the third round of the Shell Optimax F1 Drivers' Challenge this week in pursuit of their dream of racing a Formula One car.

The annual event gives the man in the street the opportunity to test an F1 car after a series of tests aimed at identifying driving talent.

The first round saw Phil and Stephen, who both race in the Club 100 karting competition, compete in an indoor karting event along with 2,000 other competitors.

They both drove well enough to go through to round two as 1,600 competitors were eliminated.

The second round saw the pair tested for their fitness on a gruelling assault course, which they again both passed to join the final 100 competitors.

This week's challenge is outdoor karting, and if they progress they can expect to be tested in race saloons and single-seaters, with the final three competitors going on to be tested in F1 cars before a winner is chosen.

"I entered this competition with no expectation of progressing beyond the first round," said Phil, "so am pleasantly surprised to be here.

"But, at just 18, Steve is very talented and I think he could do really well in the competition."

Stephen said: "It's exciting to think that this could be a fast-track into some serious motor sport for me.

"To get a chance to drive an F1 car would be outstanding.