Grand prix rookie raises £1m

Grand prix rookie raises £1m

Wilson has yet to finish a grand prix

Sheffield's Formula One rookie Justin Wilson has a million reasons to be cheerful even though he has yet to finish a grand prix.

The 24-year-old may have missed out on the chequered flag in his first three races but off the track he has been a huge hit.

The Minardi driver has already raised £1m to fund his career by turning himself into a limited company on the stock exchange.

Shares in the racer are available at £500 each.

He said: "I regard it as a terrific incentive, rather than a weight on my shoulders to be carrying the hopes of investors.

Car development

"Naturally, I want them to profit for showing their faith, but I suspect that was not the main reason for making an investment in the first place.

"I believe the public loves to see a young bloke like me, without riches or big-money backers, challenge the system and that's why they have responded so generously."

Wilson estimates he needs to raise another £200,000 to see out the season.

And he is hoping to give his sponsors a first Formula One finish to celebrate in the San Marino Grand Prix.

He believes the experience from the first three races has held him in "good stead."

He said: "Things can only improve. We have a few development parts coming through so it will not get harder, it should get easier."