CUMBRIAN karter Nathan Aston is one step closer to his dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver after being selected for the McLaren High Performance Programme.

The 13-year-old Appleby Grammar School pupil will join a small group of elite young racers on the McLaren scheme to help find the next generation of Formula 1 drivers for its Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team.

Aston caught the eye of the McLaren scouts after clinching the Formula Kart Stars Cadet championship last year – in only his second season of serious racing.

His competitive career has been short but very sharp – he first sat in a kart just three years ago after a one-off trip to an indoor circuit. But the youngster caught the bug and, after a season of stunning performances including some scintillating displays in the wet, is now one of the top young karters in the country.

Past winners of the award include former world champion Jenson Button and 13-times grand prix winner David Coulthard.

The most notable success for McClaren has been Lewis Hamilton, whom the team helped develop from a 13-year-old kart racer into a Formula 1 world champion.

Aston signed with the Intrepid factory team for 2011 and is contesting the WSK series across Europe.

Nathan Aston said: “This is an amazing opportunity and a great honour for me. I am so grateful for the support of McLaren and it will definitely help me develop a lot of my various skills and career. Their factory is amazing and it just blows you away when you see how much innovation there is. This year is going to be a big challenge but this support will be invaluable.”