Racing under supervision

This week I joined Mark Webber at the Circuit Paul Ricard to test a new car that is going to catapult a new generation of drivers into Formula One.

Mark Webber stalls at the first two attempts. This is not a good sign. He holds 5,000 revs, drops the clutch, the sound is like a stuck drill... Finally the rear wheels spin and he's off.

A new championship for 2010, the GP3 Series will be a training ground for future F1 stars like Mark. This car is the prototype, and clearly the clutch needs looking at.

This does not bode well for me, as I've never used a hand-release clutch before and I'm about to take over from Mark. Being under the watchful supervision of a grand prix winner is daunting enough.

Sitting below F1 and GP2, GP3 will cater for young drivers with a few years of car racing under their belt. It looks like a miniature F1 car and is powered by a 280bhp engine, which will propel it quickly to speeds in excess of 160mph. Lifted from a Renault Megane, it's cheap and very reliable, and that is critical at this level (it's also a bit on the quiet side).

"The layout is like my office at Red Bull," explains Mark. "Two pedals - brake and throttle - a wheel-mounted clutch and paddle-shift gears."

The wheel is rather too close for comfort, my arms bent back like chicken wings. And I'm sat so low that I can barely see over the top of the cockpit. The lack of comfort is exacerbated by a mechanic getting a bit carried away with my crotch straps.

I match Mark by stalling twice. The first time was because I had my foot on the brake - I forgot the clutch wasn't down there. Out of the pits, it's clear that the acceleration is strong and the gearbox is tight.

After half a lap the tyres come in, and the low-speed grip is really impressive. I though I'd entered a few corners too quickly, but the car remained firmly planted. The Dallara-built chassis is so composed. I would have to push much harder to get this car out of shape.

Back in the pits after my four laps, I share my thoughts with Webber, gushing about the grip. "Yeah, the low-speed grip will help drivers overtake," he agrees, and says it takes him back in time to his carefree Formula Ford days.

Mark is keen to help other drivers through the ranks and has joined forces with his Red Bull Racing boss, Christian Horner, to run the MW Arden GP3 team. "I've always enjoyed seeing young drivers fulfill their potential. I'm not at the beginning of my F1 career, so it's a logical step for me." I ask if he's training to become an F1 team principal. He says he's dipping his toe in the water, and he's worried about repair bills.

"I'll be at an arm's length. I won't be involved in the everyday running, but I have a lot of experience which is valuable. And I guarantee I'm going to be way more nervous at the start of a GP3 race than I will be sitting in my F1 car, waiting for the lights. Having young guys drive these cars could be very expensive for me."

And with that, he pats me on the back for bringing the car home.