Herbert confirms BTCC debut

Ex-Formula One racer Johnny Herbert will be joining the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) for the remainder of this season, it has been confirmed. The Romford driver will be taking part in his first three races at Silverstone on the final weekend of August and driving a Honda Civic for Team Dynamics.

With Herbert stepping in to replace former double Champion James Thompson, the three-time Grand Prix winner will be joining touring car veteran David Pinkney in the squad owned and run by Steve Neal.

A number of past F1 drivers have entered the championship over the years although, with the exceptions of Jim Clark and Gabriele Tarquini, few proved to be successful. News of the popular Essex man's first 'tin top' appearance was released in front of a live audience during 'A Question of Motorsport' at Edinburgh's Chatham Honda dealership on Thursday evening.

"It's the start of a new chapter in my career," 45-year-old Johnny, who retired from F1 at the end of 2000 and claimed the 2008 Speedcar Series title, told the official BTCC website. "I always like a challenge and I've got a lot of F1 experience although that will probably be of no use to me whatsoever in the BTCC!"

Source: GP Update