Grapevine: Brundle to Race for Bentley at Le Mans

Briton Martin Brundle will drive Bentley's second car at this year's Le Mans 24-Hours sportscar race, the car company announced on Tuesday.

The former Formula One driver, who is now a grand prix commentator for Britain's ITV television, won the French classic with Jaguar in 1990.

The announcement means compatriot Johnny Herbert, newly-signed as Arrows test driver after leaving Formula One last year, will not be driving for Bentley.

The 41-year-old Brundle last took part with Toyota in 1999 and will partner Frenchman Stephane Ortelli and Briton Guy Smith in the Volkswagen-owned marque's return to the endurance race it dominated in the 1920s and early 1930s.

"These three drivers complete Team Bentley's six-man line-up for the 2001 Le Mans," Bentley said in a statement. "Half of them have already won Le Mans and four have claimed victory at the Daytona 24 Hours."

Bentley's other EXP Speed 8 car will be driven by Andy Wallace, James Weaver and Butch Leitzinger.

"Outright victory cannot realistically be contemplated with a project so young but it is hoped that the two cars will run swiftly and reliably," a company statement said.

It said a "concerted assault" was planned for 2002.