Retired Formula 1 Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg has announced the creation of a driver development program aimed to find and support new talent within the sport.

The Rosberg Young Driver Academy is backed by Petronas, a current partner with Mercedes F1, and was launched in Italy last weekend.

Rosberg has started the academy with his former karting adviser Dino Chiesa.

“Dino is the best in the karting world and I believe in the performance of Dino's own Kart Republic Chassis which we will be using. He was my boss in all my international karting years. The most successful year was when Lewis and I were in Team MBM and Dino lead us to great successes,” Rosberg said, alluding to Chiesa’s running of the Mercedes-Bens-McLaren team for Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton in 2000 and 2001.

Two European racers will assist the program, 13-year-old Taylor Barnard and 18-year-old Lorenzo Travisanutto.

(Photo courtesy of Nico Rosberg).