Ecclestone vows to help debutant Nasr

Christian Horner & Bernie Ecclestone

As one Brazilian driver's future hangs in the balance, yet another looks set to step onto the 2014 grid.

Livio Oricchio, the respected correspondent for Brazil's O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper, reported recently that GP2 driver Felipe Nasr is likely to make his debut next year.

The 20-year-old, currently second in the GP2 standings, admitted in June he is "not far" from making the big step up to formula one.

Now, Brazil's Globo has quoted F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone as telling : "I'm here. Anytime you need advice, you can shout.

"I need a Brazilian driver," he added.

Indeed, if Felipe Massa - currently F1's only Brazilian - does not get a new Ferrari contract for 2014, he has not ruled out simply quitting the category.

Ecclestone hinted that some F1 teams are interested in Nasr.

"I have talked to them a few times and people are really impressed with how he has developed over the last few years," said the 82-year-old Briton.

Nasr, however, warned: "The dream of reaching the top of world motor sport is close, but not easy.

"It depends on good results but also financial support," he admitted.

✅ Check out more posts with related topics: