Chances are you haven't heard of Patrick Pillet, Valle Makela, or Daniel Clarke, but they are part of a group of young talented drivers whose future could belong in Formula One in a not so distant future. Atlas F1's Ross Stonefeld looks at last year's champions in several top series and reviews the performances of the drivers who could be making the headlines in Grand Prix racing over the following years

F3000        

2004 Standings:
Vitantonio Liuzzi, Arden International: 86
Enrico Toccacelo, BCN Competition: 56
Robert Doornbos, Arden International: 44

Vitantonio Liuzzi
6 August 1981. Locorotondo, Italy

2004 – Champion, Formula 3000
2003 – 4th, Formula 3000
2002 – 9th, German Formula Three

Vitantonio Liuzzi first caught attention in 2001 when he clinched the World Karting Championship (along with 2nd in German Formula Renault) in the season finale at Kerpen, where one Michael Schumacher made a guest appearance. While his potential has never been doubted, his results dipped in his single Formula Three season and were only slightly better early on in his Formula 3000 career. A switch to champions Arden International in 2004 realised his full form as he took an incredible nine poles and seven wins from 10 races. He scored pole and victory in the last ever Formula 3000 event at this year's Italian Grand Prix, he closed the F3000 history books tied with Montoya and Heifeld for victories, and Montoya for pole positions. As impressive as his performances are on the circuit, his off-track persona has endeared him to fans and press alike. He now awaits a decision from Red Bull Racing on his Formula One future.

World Series by Nissan        

2004 Standings:
Heikki Kovalainen, Pons Racing: 186
Tiago Monteiro, Carlin Motorsport: 154
Enrique Bernoldi, GD Racing: 121

Heikki Kovalainen
19 October 1981. Suomussalmi, Finland

2004 - Champion, World Series by Nissan
2003 - 2nd, World Series by Nissan
2002 - 3rd, British Formula Three

Manor Motorsport boss John Booth, who has had both Kovalainen and Raikkonen drive his Formula Renaults, reckons Heikki, the longest serving member of Renault Driver Development, could actually be the quicker of the two. One of the criticisms against his career is that he has only stayed in a championship long enough to demonstrate his speed before moving to the next level. 2004 was his first year returning to a series as he saw off the World Series by Nissan field to take the championship and continue his apprenticeship as Renault Test Driver. The race people will remember for the rest of his career however, will be his dominating display at the Race of Champions. He is expected to join Arden International in the new GP2 series for 2005.

Formula Nippon        

2004 Standings:
Richard Lyons, DoCoMo Dandelion: 33
Andre Lotterer, PIAA Nakajima: 33
Yuji Ide, Mobilecast IMPUL: 32

Richard Lyons
8 August 1979. Ulster Northern. Ireland

2004 - Champion, Formula Nippon
2003 - 6th, Formula Nippon
2002 - 10th, Formula Nippon

Japan is a tough place to carve out a career. It is often the last chance for many a young driver and a lack of results can bring your career to an abrupt an anonymous end. However even winning is no guarantee of your name in lights as the Japanese championships are at best regarded as a poorer second to their European counterparts. However it still takes a winner to win and Richard Lyons squeaked out a close fought Formula Nippon championship and added the Japanese GT Championship to his CV. Once Antonio Pizzonia's chief rival in UK Formula racing, he now faces the problems of finding the next step towards Formula One. Little is known about his 2005 plans, but if he could bring his Formula Nippon form to a series like GP2, he could well get his career back on track.

Superfund Euro 3000        

2004 Standings:
Nicky Pastorelli, Draco Racing Jr. Team: 46
Fabrizio Del Monte, GP Racing: 45
Norbert Siedler, ADM Motorsport: 37

Nicky Pastorelli
April 11th, 1983. Gravenhague, The Netherlands

2004 - Champion, Superfund Euro 3000
2003 - 5th, European Formula 3000
2002 - Formula Renault Eurocup

One of the major problems facing the development series of this decade is too many championships and not enough entries. After Formula 3000 and World Series by Nissan, there is a sharp drop in the quality of the "Formula Two" level championships. The Superfund Euro 3000 series certainly fits that description. That said, Nicky Pastorelli was an above average driver in an average field, and recently tested for ChampCar team Walker Racing with eyes towards promotion to that series in 2005.

Formula Super Renault V6        

2004 Standings:
Giorgio Mondini, Eurointernational: 289
Ryan Sharp, Jenzer Motorsport: 267
Neel Jani, DAMS: 249

Giorgio Mondini
July 19th, 1980. Genova, Italy

2004 - Champion, Formula Super Renault V6
2003 - 7th, Formula Super Renault V6
2002 - 17th, Formula Renault Eurocup

Every once in a while a driver wins a championship and you pause and think "...who?". Giorgio Mondini was no exception and it proved quite challenging to find such simple information as his birthdate or even a photo of this year's champion. However he saw off highly rated rivals as Neel Jani and Ryan Sharp and earned a Renault F1 test for his troubles. In 2005 World Series by Nissan and Formula Super Renault V6 will mercifully be merged into the World Series by Renault that will have 19 events across Europe with, get this, free admission.

Formula Three Euroseries        

2004 Standings:
Jamie Green, ASM Dallara-Mercedes Benz: 139
Alexandre Premat, ASM Dallara-Mercedes Benz: 88
Nicolas Lapierre, Signature Dallara-Opel: 85

Jamie Green
June 14th, 1982. Leicester, England

2004 - Champion, Formula Three Euroseries
2003 - 2nd, British Formula Three
2002 - 2nd, British Formula Renault

For the last three seasons Jamie Green has been the darling of British Motorsport. He made a stunning debut in British Formula Renault, overshadowing fellow rookie and McLaren protege Lewis Hamilton and on his day matched teammate and eventual series Champion Danny Watts. His move to British Formula Three in 2003 with Carlin Motorsport saw him take two poles and a win on his debut weekend. The season ended with him 2nd overall in the championship ahead of media darling Nelson Piquet and behind the sadly underrated Alan van der Merwe. He signed for Mercedes-Benz and works F3 team ASM for the Euroseries, and confirmed his potential by annihilating the best F3 drivers in Europe. He has one F1 test to his name, with McLaren; but even that was merely part of his McLaren/Autosport Driver of the Year Prize that he clinched in 2002. He will race for Mercedes in the DTM in 2005.

British Formula Three        

2004 Standings:
Nelson Piquet, Piquet Sports: 282
Adam Carroll, P1 Motorsport: 233
James Rossiter. Fortec Motorsport: 228

Nelson Angelo Piquet
July 25, 1985. Heidelberg, Germany

2004 - Champion, British Formula Three
2003 - 2nd, British Formula Three
2002 - Champion, South American Formula Three

Piquet has had it all in his Formula Three career. The name, the press, the money, the experience, and the speed. When he is on form he is frighteningly capable but he often has days where it seems his talent is the least impressive thing about him. Often made it too easy for championship runners up Adam Carroll and James Rossiter to close in the points and was generally unspectacular in the International events; but in the end lifted the crown. He and his team, Piquet Sports, will merge with David Hayle's HiTech for an assault on GP2.

Japanese Formula Three        

2004 Standings:
Ronnie Quintarelli, INGING Dallara-Toyota: 251
Joao Paulo de Oliveira, M-Tec Lola/Dome-Mugen: 211
Naoki Yokomizo, INGING Dallara-Toyota: 177

Ronnie Quintarelli
August 9th, 1979, Verona Italy

2004 - Champion, Japanese Formula Three
2003 - 4th, Japanese Formula Three
2002 - 2nd, German Formula Volkswagen

Much like Formula Nippon champion Richard Lyons, the only thing Quintarelli could do was win, and that he did. He has had a long career in the juniors without the opportunities or funding provided to some of his rivals. Winning in Japan will do little to help his immediate chances, but at the very least it hasn't set him back any further. Has tested with Formula Nippon teams and looks most likely to continue his Japanese odyssey in 2005.

Marlboro Masters, Macau GP        

2004 Results - Marlboro Masters:
Alexandre Premat, ASM Dallara-Mercedes Benz
Eric Salignon, ASM Dallara-Mercedes Benz
Adam Carroll, Dallara-Mugen

2004 Results - Macau GP:
Alexandre Premat, ASM Dallara-Mercedes Benz
Robert Kubica, Manor Motorsport Dallara-Mercedes Benz
Lucas Di Grassi, HiTech Dallara-Renault

Alexandre Premat
April 5, 1982. Juvisy-sur-Orge, France

2004 - 2nd, Formula Three Euroseries
2003 - 7th, Formula Three Euroseries
2002 - Champion, French Formula Renault

The biggest fight in this year's Formula Three Euroseries was to see who could hold on to second behind the runaway lead of Jamie Green. ASM teammate Alexandre Premat duly filled that role and solidified his position by winning the prestigious non-championship Marlboro Masters at Zandvoort and Grand Prix of Macau. With ASM linking up with Nicolas Todt (son of Ferrari director Jean) to form a GP2 team, Premat is a hotly tipped favorite for a seat.

Bahrain F3 Superprix        

2004 Results:
Lewis Hamilton, Manor Motorsport Dallara-Mercedes Benz
Nico Rosberg, Team Rosberg Dallara-Opel
Jamie Green, ASM Dallara-Mercedes Benz

Lewis Hamilton
July 1, 1985. Tewin, England

2004 - 5th, Formula Three Euroseries
2003 - Champion, British Formula Renault
2002 - 3rd, British Formula Renault

Developed by McLaren over the better part of a decade it was inevitable that Lewis Hamilton would race for Mercedes-Benz in Formula Three. Following his British Formula Renault championship, he and titlist Manor Motorsport moved together to the F3 Euroseries. While Manor were able to win two Formula Three titles in their first two years in the British championship, the European championship provided a harder challenge. Team and driver steadily improved throughout the season with Hamilton finishing 5th as the highest placed rookie. Following the cancellation of the Korean SuperPrix, the event was rescheduled at the Bahrain GP circuit and while Hamilton struggled to qualify 21st, he amazingly overcame the field to take his second Formula Three win and is a title favorite for 2005. Also moved one step closer to realising his full McLaren dream when he tested for the team recently at Silverstone.

Formula Renault Eurocup        

2004 Standings - Formula Renault Eurocup:
Scott Speed, Motopark Academy: 402
Simon Pagenaud, Graff Racing: 258
Colin Fleming, Jenzer Motorsport: 230

2004 Standings - German Formula Renault:
Scott Speed, Motopark Academy: 293
Colin Fleming, Jenzer Motorsport: 284
Michael Ammeermuller, Jenzer Motorsport: 238

Scott Speed
January 24, 1983. Manteca, California, USA

2004 - Champion, Eurocup & German Formula Renault
2003 - 23rd, British Formula Three
2002 - Formula Dodge National Championship

With a racing name only Hollywood could dream up, Scott Speed is one of the most promising young Americans in a decade. Winner of the inaugural Red Bull Driver Search he was placed with F3 champions Alan Docking Racing for a crack at the British championship. The team's form dipped as did Speed's health as he was struck with a year-long digestive disease. Red Bull kept faith in him and moved him to Formula Renault to recover, and he duly rewarded them with a stranglehold on both the European and German championships. Will test for Red Bull racing in 2005 and recently signed to ISport International (run by Jonathan Williams, son of Sir Frank) for a GP2 campaign.

Italian Formula Renault        

2004 Standings:
Pastor Maldonado, Cram Competition: 362
Kohei Hirate, Prema Powerteam: 266
Luca Filippi, Euronova Junior Team: 234

Pastor Maldonado
March 9 1985. Macaray, Venezuela

2004 - Champion, Italian Formula Renault
2003 - 7th, Italian Formula Renault. Champion, Italian Formula Renault Winter Series
2002 - 10th, Formula A

Italian racing is known for its karting championships and its single seater categories do not get the credit they deserve against their National counterparts across the EU. The drivers are topnotch, however, with arguably the most impressive list of Formula Renault champions since the re-launch of the series in 2000. Felipe Massa in 2000, Toyota's Ryan Briscoe in 2001 and Franck Perera in 2003, and Renault Driver Development's Argentine star Jose Maria Lopez in 2002. Venezuelan Maldonado joined their ranks this season and kept the F1 link alive by testing for Minardi at Vallelunga. Has sampled F3000 cars for various teams during the off season and is hopeful of a GP2 campaign in 2005.

British Formula Renault        

2004 Standings:
Mike Conway, Fortec Motorsport: 518
Wesley Barber, Comtec Racing: 426
Paul di Resta, Manor Motorsport: 415

Mike Conway
August 19th 1983. Sevenoaks, England

2004 - Champion, British Formula Renault
2003 - 4th, British Formula Renault
2002 - 4th, British Formula Ford

Mike Conway showed his speed early in his 2003 Formula Renault season, just missing pole at the season opener by .008 seconds but recovering to take a victory on his debut. Was unable to maintain a season long challenge to eventual titlist Lewis Hamilton but went into 2004 as the series favorite. A newly committed Conway was unphased by new arrivals Wesley Barber and Comtec Racing, as well as allegations of cheating, to take the title with three rounds to go. Will stay with champions Fortec Motorsport for his rise to Formula Three in 2005. One of the criticisms leveled against him is his seeming inability to race outside of the UK, partaking in only the Donington round of the Formula Renault Eurocup, a damp affair in which he dominated. Formula Three will be his 5th season racing in a UK championship though the series will be adding races in Belgium, Germany, and Italy.

French Formula Renault        

2004 Standings:
Patrick Pilet, Graff Racing: 308
Yann Clairay, SG Formula: 268
Guillaume Moreau, SG Formula: 240

Patrick Pilet
October 8th, 1981. Auch, France

2004 - Champion, French Formula Renault
2003 - 2nd, French Formula Renault
2002 - 6th, French Formula Renault

Since the end of Alain Prost's career, France has seen a dip in the promotion of its single seater aces and championships, and it is perhaps ironic that the French Formula Renault champion would be the most unknown. Patrick beat a capacity field to become the 27th champion of the home series and picked up a healthy €150,000 prize which he hopes to use towards a World Series by Renault challenge in 2005.

Dutch Formula Renault        

2004 Standings:
Junior Strous, Mr. Glow: 220
Xavier Maasen, AR Motorsport: 185
Yelmer Buurman, AR Motorsport: 163

Junior Strous
April 28th 1986. Wassenaar, The Netherlands

2004 - Champion, Dutch Formula Renault & Winter Invitational
2003 - 2nd, Dutch Formula Renault
2002 - Champion, Junior Benelux Formula Ford

There seems to be no shortage of Dutch drivers or funding as the country strives to show itself an equal to its larger neighbors. Adding himself to the list of F1 hopefuls from The Netherlands, shining in the Eurocup while taking his domestic crown at just 18 years old sets Junior Strous solidly on the road to the top.

German Formula BMW        

2004 Standings:
Sebastian Vettel, Mucke Motorsport: 387
Atila De Abreu, ADAC Mittelrhein e.V.: 263
Sebastien Buemi, Lars Kaufmann Motorsport: 188

Sebastian Vettel
July 3, 1987. Heppenheim, Germany

2004 - Champion, German Formula BMW
2003 - 2nd, German Formula BMW
2002 - 6th, European Formula A

As you move further down the F1 ladder it becomes more difficult to appraise the results of various drivers as they simply have not competed long enough to give a reliable impression. That didn't stop Sebastian Vettel as he pulled off 18 wins from 20 starts in Formula BMW, catching the eye of not only motorsport director Dr. Mario Theissen, but also Michael Schumacher. Stays with Mucke Motorsport for his promotion to Formula Three where he will race a works Mercedes amusingly backed by BMW.

British Formula BMW        

2004 Standings:
Tim Bridgeman: 230
Philip Glew, Soper Sport: 210.5
Josh Fisher, Motaworld: 180

Tim Bridegman
May 24th, 1985. Harlow, Great Britain

2004 - Champion, Formula BMW UK
2003 - Champion, Formula ZIP
2002 - Formula ZIP

If being the inaugural Formula BMW UK champion wasn't historic enough, Tim Bridgeman went one further by doing it with his own team. Held off superteams from Carlin, Fortec, and Motaworld to win the title and earn a McLaren-Autosport Young Driver nomination. Expects to graduate to British Formula Three.

British Formula Ford        

2004 Standings:
Valle Makela, Nexa Racing Van Diemen: 506
Daniel Clarke, Team JLR Van Diemen: 410
Sebastian Hohenthal, Nexa Racing Van Diemen: 409

Valle Makela
February 2 1986. Finland

2004 - Champion, British Formula Ford
2003 - 3rd, British Formula Ford
2002 - Champion, Finnish Formula Ford

Fast Finn and a Formula Ford specialist, Makela was the star of British Formula Ford and earned a commanding championship. He needs to race something other than a Formula Ford in 2005, but at only 18 has plenty of time to progress through racing.

Formula Ford Festival        

2004 Results:
Daniel Clarke, Team JLR Van Diemen
Yuya Sakamoto, Nexa Racing Van Diemen
Sebastian Hohenthal, Nexa Racing Van Diemen

Daniel Clarke
October 4th 1983. Mexborough, Great Britain

2004 - 2nd, British Formula Ford
2003 - 12th, British Formula Ford
2002 - 4th, British Formula Ford - Junior Class

Similar to Makela, Daniel Clarke has perhaps spent too much time at one level and needs to recover career momentum. His biggest problem at this stage is controlling his undeniable speed and his PR efforts to be a more complete driver. Winning the ultra prestigious Formula Ford Festival was the ideal close to his Formula Ford career. Stayed with Team JLR for his Formula Renault debut in the Winter Cup, and is expected to stay with them for a full National campaign.

World Karting Championship        

2004 Standings:
Davide Fore, Tony Kart-Vortex
Arnaud Kozlinski, Sodikart-TM
Bas Lammers, Swiss Hutless-Vortex

Davide Fore
July 16 1974. Brescia, Italy.

2004 - World Champion, Formula A. 3rd, European Formula A. Champion, Italian Open Masters
2003 - Champion, Formula A Winter Cup. 2nd, European Formula A. 2nd, Formula ICC. 2nd, Asia Pacific Formula A
2002 - 2nd, Asia Pacific Formula Super A. 3rd, Formula Super A World Championship. 4th, European Formula ICC

While not an F1 prospect, the World Karting Champion surely deserves mention, as after the F1 and F3000 champions is the only open wheel champion to attend the annual FIA awards in Monaco. Following in the footsteps of fellow Italian and World Champion Danilo Rossi, Davide Fore has been a career karter, seemingly uninterested in taking his chances on the single seater world. Competing in a form of motorsport where a driver not only advances based on talent, but can get paid for his efforts, it's hard to blame him for being happy where he is.