Mark Webber is impressing at Minardi but Australians want more of their drivers in Formula 1. The sports-obsessed country has produced world beaters in cricket, rugby, athletics and swimming in recent years and now it wants to do the same in motorsport's premier category.

The Australian Institute of Sport is aiming to identify drivers with the necessary talent and then train them to become stars. Credited for much of the country's success in breeded top-class sportsmen and women, the Institute will address psychology, nutrition and fitness.

Australia's biggest F1 stars were Jack Brabham, world champion in 1959, '60 and '66, and Alan Jones, in 1980.