Herbert signs for Sauber

Motor racing

Motor racing

Johnny Herbert, the British Grand Prix winner, will race alongside Germany's Heinz-Harald Frentzen for the Ford-powered Sauber team in 1996.

Herbert, who also won this year's Italian Grand Prix for Benetton, will have his first test with Sauber at the Le Castellet track in southern France later this week.

Peter Sauber, the team chief, said: "We have taken the decision after careful consideration. We feel he will be able to make a very positive contribution to our team after his good results this season and with the experience of 80 grands prix behind him.

"We will start 1996 with a new car and a promising new engine, the Ford Zetec-R V10, and we are very happy to have a second strong driver in Johnny Herbert with Heinz-Harald Frentzen."

Herbert said: "They proved in 1995 they can be highly competitive in Formula One. I will try my very hardest to help the team join the top ranks of grand prix racing next season."

Herbert's career has been marked by disappointments and moves after a big accident in an International F3000 race in 1988 left him with badly- smashed ankles.