Richie Stanaway

Name: Richie Stanaway
Date of Birth: 24 November 1991 (Age 19)
Nationality: New Zealander
Currently: Leading German F3 standings

After racing in Formula Ford in New Zealand and Australia, Stanaway made the move to Europe towards the end of 2009, racing in the ADAC Formel Masters series in Germany. In six races he scored a pole position and two podiums, enough to put him eighth in the final standings. He decided to commit to a full season in the series in 2010. In the 21 race season he won 12 of the first 18 races and finished on the podium in five of the other six to win the title with a meeting to spare.

Over the winter he was raced in the Formula Renault UK Winter Series, and was also picked up by the Gravity Sport Management firm headed by Eric Boullier and linked to the Renault F1 team. His success in the ADAC Formel Masters series, where the cars are all powered by Volkswagen engines, saw him receive support from the German manufacturer. On top of this he was also selected as one of 12 drivers to be part of the FIA Institute Young Driver Academy which is overseen by Alex Wurz.

Racing in the German Formula 3 Cup in 2011, Stanaway won the opening two rounds of the season at Oschersleben last weekend.

Talent rating: His talent has clearly impressed Gravity, Volkswagen and the FIA Institute and his results since he moved to Europe speak for themselves. Could still do with proving himself in a more competitive category of racing though. 7/10

Chances of getting to Formula 1: With the support of Gravity he will be able to move up the ranks with ease, and should his current form continue as he climbs the ladder then there's no reason why we won't see him in F1. 7/10

Photo credit: Richie Stanaway

Felipe Nasr

Full Name: Luíz Felipe de Oliveira Nasr
Date of Birth: 21 August 1992 (age18)
Nationality: Brazil
Currently: Leading the British F3 standings

Nasr made his car racing debut in a Formula BMW Americas race at Interlagos in November 2008, a race which supported the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix, where fellow Brazilian Felipe Massa was beaten to the world title by Lewis Hamilton after Massa had crossed the line to win. Driving for his father Amir's team, he finished fifth in the first race and then third in the second, which was good enough to place him 10th overall in the final standings. For 2009 he raced in the European version of the series for the Eurointernational team. He scored five wins and finished 14 of the 16 races in the top two, winning the title by 104 points.

Ahead of the 2010 season he was signed by Robertson Management, who also manage Kimi Raikkonen. He was also placed in the Double R British F3 team that was co-owned by Robertson and Raikkonen. He stuggled initially but scored his maiden win at Rockingham mid-season and ended the year fifth in the standings.

His performances were enough to encourage leading team Carlin to snatch him up for the 2011 season, and despite strong teammates such as Kevin Magnussen, he won twice at the opening round in Monza and then scored a third win of the season at Round 2 at Oulton Park.

Talent rating: He adapted to Formula BMW straight out of karts and now looks like the favourite for British F3 glory after a learning year in the category in 2010. If he continues at this rate he could be ready for Formula 1 in a couple of years. 8/10

Chances of getting to Formula 1: Nasr does not benefit from the kind of financial backing that has helped many of his fellow Brazilians in to Formula 1, but the promise he has shown so far in his career combined with his renowned management team should help him on his way. 7/10

Photo Credit: Felipe Nasr