FORMULA ONE legend Nigel Mansell is taking the driving seat for a new team – Mitsubishi Motors in the UK.

The former World Champion will open a Mitsubishi franchise at his family-run dealership on Jersey. The new showroom and service centre, which will be managed by his son Leo, will open for business on September 16.

Nigel, who is chairman of The Mansell Collection dealership, which opened in St Helier in 2013, said: ‘Our dealership has gone from strength to strength and the time is right to get a franchise on board. We wanted a brand that crossed a lot of boundaries of motoring and with Mitsubishi there’s something for everyone.

‘The most exciting thing for me is how great the Mitsubishi product is. I have been involved with motorsport all my life and now we have an incredible opportunity to be blessed with selling these vehicles.

‘I know from Formula One that you must not leave any stone unturned, so we will make sure the customer gets the care and respect they absolutely deserve. It’s a very exciting time for us.’

The dealership also houses The Nigel Mansell Story – a museum displaying his trophies and some of his race-winning cars, including the Williams FW14B in which he won the world championship in 1992.

Nigel will take an active role and will be handing over the keys to customers when he is on the island. Leo, himself a former racing driver, is managing director at the dealership, which employs 14 people.

Leo said: ‘Mitsubishi is a perfect fit for us. The range of vehicles excites me and this is a great opportunity. Having the museum at the dealership is a real asset and it’s been a far bigger success than we imagined.’

He added: ‘It’s great working with family. We are eager to show the Mitsubishi range to the island. Jersey will be surprised by what they get from a Mitsubishi.’

While it was his daring overtaking manoeuvres and exciting style that won him enormous adulation from fans, these days Nigel and his team are focused on delivering excellent customer service.

Lance Bradley, managing director of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, said: ‘It says much about Mitsubishi Motors’ current and upcoming products, and our plans for the brand in the UK, that Nigel and Leo have chosen to join us, because there are a lot of brands that would have loved to have them. Their vision is one of an incredible level of service for the customer and that aligns perfectly with what we do. We’re absolutely delighted to be working with them.’

Mitsubishi was the fastest-growing mainstream car brand last year and sales in 2014 are equally impressive – up by 36 per cent.

To arrange a test drive at The Mansell Collection call 01534 880606 or go to www.themansellcollection.co.uk.

Watch a video interview with them below: