Herbert takes DTM swipe at Alesi

Alesi has landed a plum drive with the lead Mercedes squad for 2002 and sparks are expected to fly as the grand prix winner lends his flamboyant driving style to the world's leading touring car series.

However, speaking at the AUTOSPORT International show, former F1 man Herbert said touring cars was for the more mature driver and would suit Alesi down to the ground.

"It's for old men," quipped Herbert who ruled out any chances of him making the same switch to tin-tops. "I'm sure Jean will be able to get all his luggage in the back and everything he needs for the family. I don't consider myself to be as old as Jean obviously does."

While Herbert has his sights set on getting a drive to compete at the Indianapolis 500, he returned to sportscars last year with the Champion Audi team both in the ALMS and Le Mans. But despite the fame of the 24 hour endurance classic, Alesi would much rather stick with the DTM.

"The DTM is a series where all the cars and the competition are very similar," said Alesi. "But when you do Le Mans you have no idea because you overtake cars on the straight where there is almost a 60mph speed difference, and that is not something that I would like to do."