Audi Motorsport - Johnny Herbert

Britain's Johnny Herbert will contest the next round of the American Le Mans Series at Sears Point next Sunday (22 July).  The 37-year-old former Grand Prix ace from Essex will drive the "customer" Audi R8 in the Californian race.

Monaco-based Herbert will co-drive with fellow former Le Mans 24 Hour race winner Andy Wallace, from Oxford, in the 165-minute event, the third round of the American Le Mans Series next weekend. 

"I want to contest the remainder of the series with the Champion Audi team," said Herbert.  "At the moment I'm confirmed for the Sears race and at Atlanta in October.  I've only ever raced at Phoenix and Indianapolis in the States so all of the circuits will be knew to me.

"I don't foresee that as a problem - I'm a quick learner and Audi knows all of the tracks from last year and they have a proven track record having won both the ALMS Manufacturers' and Drivers' titles last season with the R8.

"I've never driven with Andy but his credentials in sportscar racing are exemplary.  I'm certain we'll get on well together and should form a formidable partnership."     

Three-time Grand Prix winner Herbert drove the Champion Audi for the first time in the Le Mans 24 Hours last month (16-17 June).  Having qualified third fastest behind the two "factory" Infineon Audis, Herbert's Champion "customer" Audi retired after seven hours when placed third. 

Audi won the 24 Hour race in France for a second consecutive year and the British duo will be up against the "works" squad in the Sears race.

"It will be difficult for Andy and I to beat the very latest Joest run Audis," added Johnny.  "But we'll be looking for podiums and pushing hard for wins make no mistake."

Wallace lies fifth in Drivers' points standings behind the "factory" Audi drivers Rinaldo Capello (It), Tom Kristensen (Den), Emanuele Pirro (I) and Frank Biela (D) having placed fourth (Texas) and third (Sebring) in the two previous ALMS races.

Martyn Pass
Audi UK Sport Press PR Manager
Tel:  0121 430 3805 / 07801 859502 / 01908 601506

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