Zonta set for Le Mans with Peugeot

The Brazilian started 36 Grands Prix between 1995 and 2001 for BAR, Jordan, and Toyota. He was a test driver for Renault last season as well as racing in the Brazilian Stock Car Championship.

Zonta, who will also contest the American Grand-Am series this season, has already tested the Peugeot 908 Hdi and has agreed terms to drive at Le Mans. The contract should be finalised when he returns to Europe to test the car again next month.

The 31-year-old told Autosport: "It's not definite because the contract isn't signed yet. But I tested in early January and I will test again in a few weeks.

"Serge Saulnier [Peugeot Sport team manager] invited me to Paul Ricard to try the car and I enjoyed driving it."

This year's race would be Zonta's second at Le Mans after driving for Mercedes in 1998, although engine failure that year forced the car into retirement before he could drive it.

Peugeot did not confirm that Zonta had even tested, though. Saulnier said: "We're not confirming anything until we announce everything in February."

Fellow ex-Formula One driver Alex Wurz could also be part of that announcement, having sampled the 908 in the same test as Zonta at Paul Ricard. He has made no secret of his desire to return to the race he won on his debut in 1996.