Smith ready for Le Mans

Guy Smith will spearhead Bentley's challenge at Le Mans after the 28-year-old from Beverley, Yorkshire, was yesterday named among the British team's drivers for the 24-hour race in June.

Smith will partner the four-times winner, Tom Kristensen, of Denmark, and Italy's Rinaldo Capello as Bentley look to recapture their glory days. They won the race four times between 1924 and 1930. Smith will contest the Sebring 12-Hour race in Florida for Bentley to prepare for Le Mans.

"I'm delighted to be racing for Bentley," said Smith, who was voted best rookie at Le Mans in 2000. "The new car will run for the first time later this month and I'm very excited about the programme."

Smith partnered Martin Brundle and Stéphane Ortelli when Bentley returned to Le Mans in 2001 but, despite testing for the team, was not given a race seat last year.

"It was frustrating, but I knew that if I did a good job for Team Bentley in testing then I'd have a great chance of returning for 2003," he added.