IT has often been said that you have to walk before you can run. In Simon Whincup's case, he had to go karting before he could step on the first rung of the ladder towards Formula One motor racing.

The 20-year-old, whose eventual ambition is to beat some of the leading figures in Formula One, takes another step towards his goal at the Castle Combe circuit on Monday.

Whincup, from Brompton, Northallerton, is halfway through his first season in the British championships for Zip Formula car drivers, handling a 1600 cc Ford Zetec at speeds of up to 135mph.

He is set to become a familiar figure in the championships because every round is televised by Sky Sports. He goes into the next round at Castle Combe, where he will be up against some seasoned drivers.

Whincup, who works in the service department at Massingberd, Northallerton, drives the Zetec for a Ford factory team on an ''arrive and drive'' basis. He is lying eighth in this season's championship, his highest placing being fourth at Oulton Park last month.

His father, Andrew, said: ''Simon has grown up with karting and won his first championship when he was 11, but this is his first season in cars.

''From being only four years old he has set his sights on the Formula One world championship. One of his ambitions is to beat people like Schumacher, Hakkinen and Coulthard.

''Zip Formula is considered as the first step on the ladder to Formula One. The top speed of the Zetec is governed at 135mph and the car is designed to be very safe.''

If Whincup wins the Zip Formula championship later this year he can look forward to two prizes. He will have a chance to drive in a Formula Renault worth £150,000 and will join the Formula Ford team next season. His father added: ''Formula One teams could also come knocking on his door.''

Whincup is looking for commercial sponsorship to help finish the season, which runs from March to October, and anyone interested should contact his father on 01609 761550.