"I don't want to see good talent stifled"Bernie Ecclestone has added his notoriously persuasive blessing to a couple of young Britons' quest for the F1 grid.
However, instead of leaping aboard the frenzied Lewis Hamilton bandwagon, the F1 supremo is also busy promoting
another McLaren protege who is itching for a chance -- current tester Gary Paffett.
''I hope we see these young guys on the grid next season,'' said Bernie, applying some clear pressure on Ron Dennis to bring them out from behind the spotlight.
He told Sunday Express: ''I don't want to see good talent stifled.''
Ecclestone's allegiance to Paffett, the impressive 25-year-old from Bromley, was demonstrated on the Silverstone grid, while GP2 star Hamilton stood giggling with McLaren's Dennis.
Bernie continued: ''We need fresh blood, and in Paffett and Hamilton we see guys who need to be on the grid.''
Both are outside contenders for the race seat alongside
Fernando Alonso, but Dennis hinted when speaking to reporters at the British Grand Prix that a lesser seat in pitlane might be a better bet for youngster Hamilton for now.
''I hope (Ron) is not going to just keep them out of sight,'' 75-year-old Ecclestone insisted. ''I hope he finds room for one of them.''
Source GMM CAPSIS International
