Williams praises Schmidt for starting new team.

Legendary Formula One team owner Sir Frank Williams recently praised Sam Schmidt for starting a new Indy Racing Northern Light Series team.

Schmidt announced the formation of Sam Schmidt Motorsports on Feb. 9 at Phoenix. The team plans to field a car at all 13 Indy Racing Northern Light Series events this season, with a driver and sponsors to be announced soon.

"I am delighted that Sam Schmidt has decided to return to motor racing," Williams said. "In these new circumstances, Sam will be able to channel his love for motor racing in a new direction which, most importantly, will consume and tax his mind and at all times give him a great deal to think about.

"Given his obvious determination, I am sure that success will come his way and provide him with an appropriate reward for his efforts. I surely wish him all the luck. I will personally be following him. His career was great, and what he's doing is of great interest."

Schmidt remains paralysed from the shoulders down after an Indy Racing testing accident in January 2000. Williams remains paralysed after a passenger-car accident in the 1980s.

The pair met for the first time during the SAP United States Grand Prix last September at Indianapolis.

Williams' Formula One team has won the World Constructors Championship nine times since its debut in 1973. Only Ferrari, which debuted in 1950, has more titles, with 10.