24/01/2007
NEWS STORY
We're not quite sure why - it must be something in the genes - but motor racing, more than any other sport, sees sons follow in the footsteps of their famous fathers.
In the past we had the Andrettis (Mario and Michael), Brabhams (Jack, David and Gary), Fittipaldis (Wilson and Christian), Hills (Graham and Damon), Parnells (Reg and Tim), Pilettes (Andre and Teddy), Stucks (Hans and Hans-Joachim) and Villeneuves (Gilles and Jacques).
Currently, we have Nico Rosberg, son of 1982 world Champion Keke, at Williams, and Nelsinho Piquet, son of three-time champ Nelson, at Renault.
In recent times a number of familiar names have appeared in various forms of motor sport, names such as Lauda, Mansell, Winkelhock and even Marco Andretti, grandson of race legend Mario, and now making a major names for himself in IndyCar. The list is almost endless.
However, at a time when Ron Dennis is laying down the law regarding the (off-track) behaviour of his drivers, Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, we hear that the son of one of Formula One's last, and finest, hellraisers, is shaping up as a formidable talent.
Last week, Freddie Hunt, son of 1976 World Champion James, caused a stir while testing a Formula Palmer Audi car at Bedford Autodrome.
The nineteen-year-old is currently preparing for his first season of racing and in testing last week posted a best time just 2s off the best time of the day, which had been posted by North West Formula Ford 1600 Champion Tom Bradshaw. This, in turn, was less than half-a-second off the lap record.
"Obviously it's a big challenge for me as I don't have as much experience," said Hunt. "But with some more testing, I think I can be competitive."
In 2006, Alex Brundle, son of former F1 racer Martin, and Stefan Wilson, brother of the first FPA Champion, Justin, contested the Formula Palmer Audi Autumn Trophy, both drivers making a good impression.