Motor Racing: IndyCar test for unsettled Herbert

Johnny Herbert, who won the British Grand Prix in July, may follow the former world champion Nigel Mansell to IndyCar racing.

The move to the United States depends on how Herbert performs in a test drive for the Pacwest team next week and whether he can find grand prix employment. "I have got to keep my options open," he said.

Herbert is still without a Formula One drive for next season, despite finishing fourth in the drivers' championship with Benetton-Renault. He is in competition with Mark Blundell for the second seat at Sauber-Ford alongside the German Heinz-Harald Frentzen.

Herbert, however, is keen to stay in Formula One and after wins last season at Silverstone and Monza knows he can compete with the best - provided he has the right machinery at his disposal.

"I don't want to be in grand prix racing just to make up the numbers," he said. "If, however, I can't drive with a competitive team, then I would certainly consider IndyCars."

Pacwest are searching for a leading driver to team up with another former Formula One driver, Brazil's Mauricio Gugelmin, in the IndyCar series which proved such a successful arena for Mansell. Herbert will test drive the team's Reynard-Ford at the Firebird circuit near Phoenix.