Talking exclusively to Pitpass, former racer John Watson, now commentating for Sky Sports on A1 GP, revealed his concern over the new GP Masters series, which sees former F1 stars - including a number of World Champions, such as Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Alan Jones - pitted against one another in 200 mph, 3.5 litre V8 single-seaters.

"Scott (series founder Scott Poulter) came to see me around two-and-a-half years ago, and we talked about some of the ideas, and I made some suggestions, which I see he's implemented," said Watson.

When asked whether he would consider contesting the series, Watson, who won 5 Grands Prix and finished runner up to Keke Rosberg in the 1982 World Championship, replied: "In very broad terms, yes I would certainly have a look at it, I think the concept of what Scot is trying to do is very much within the entertainment sphere.

"However," he continued, "my only concern is that if you take a group of a dozen or so ex-Grand Prix drivers, this is not a career move, it's not something that is going to light up (revive) your racing career.

"I just hope that the guys involved aren't going to take it too seriously," he added.

Watson, who last raced in F1 in 1985 - a one-off appearance for McLaren replacing Niki Lauda in the European GP - is concerned at the difference in fitness and age levels between various drivers in GP Masters.

"I don't think it's fair to bring in drivers who are either current or recently retired drivers," said the Ulsterman. " For example, Johnny Herbert, who has signed up, is still (effectively) racing. It's not fair to put him up against (Rene) Arnoux, (Alan) Jones, Me or whoever. I'm sixty next year, and I'm not going to go out there and take a risk against a much younger driver, nor do I want to go out there and made to look like a complete twat.

"I think the age and fitness difference could be to the disadvantage of many of the older drivers, who are in fact the stars of the series," he added.

"In principle however, I like it," he admitted, "indeed I suggested something like it to Bernie (Ecclestone) in the mid-90s, when I was working for Eurosport."

It's known that Ecclestone has looked at the idea of a race series - supporting the Formula One World Championship tour - whereby ex-racers driver Porsche Boxters, or something similar.

"I believe GP Masters should be there as a support race for F1," says Watson, "I don't think it will happen with single-seaters, but it could happen with the Boxter Coupe, or whatever."

To check out our GP Masters test gallery, click here