Hamilton's younger brother to make race debut

LONDON (Reuters) - Lewis Hamilton's younger brother Nicolas, who has cerebral palsy, is to compete in the junior Renault Clio Cup series in Britain after gaining his racing licence last week.

The older Hamilton, Formula One world champion with McLaren in 2008, has described the 19-year-old as his biggest fan and inspiration.

The teenager said in a statement on Wednesday: "I have loved motor sport from a young age and watching my brother achieve so much has given me inspiration to make my own racing debut".

"I know this will not be an easy task, but I hope that my doing this will give inspiration to others who have challenges in their life. I can't wait to be racing."

The deal has been brokered by his father Anthony, who now manages budding Formula One driver Paul di Resta after previously guiding the career of his older son, who is 26.

"Nicolas has followed his brother's career from an early age and it was natural that he would want to get behind the wheel competitively himself," he said.

The eight round Renault Clio Cup season starts at the Brands Hatch circuit on April 2-3 and ends at Silverstone in October.