‘Masters’ to support F1?

According to 1980 world champion Alan Jones, the novel 'Grand Prix Masters' could become a support category on the formula one tour. The Australian, 59, is one of 14 ex-F1 drivers – including Nigel Mansell and Emerson Fittipaldi – to debut the new open wheeler concept with a one-off race at Kyalami this weekend.

A five or six-race 2006 calendar is anticipated.

But Jones told Melbourne's 'The Age' newspaper: ''They're … talking about the possibility of having (GPM) on the same bill as formula one, or (the) A1 GP series, which would make sense.'' 'AJ' is the Australian franchise holder in the similarly novel A1 'world cup'.

Any proposal to make 'GPM' a support category for F1, however, would seem unlikely in the context of earlier reports that Bernie Ecclestone lodged opposition to the series' use of the 'Grand Prix' trademark. The F1 supremo is also rumored to want to set up his own seniors tour with Porsche Boxters.