Grapevine: Herbert Nears Indy 500 Deal

Johnny Herbert will drive in the Indianapolis 500 race this year - if he can raise the budget.

The former Jaguar driver left Formula One last year hoping to secure a ChampCar drive, but when that fell through he concentrated on the Indy Racing League, of which the Indianapolis 500 is a part.

"It looks good. I've got a drive if we can get the budget," said Herbert. "It sounds promising and I don't see any reason why it shouldn't come off."

Herbert could not reveal which team he is talking to, but revealed the deal would be for several races to allow him to gain some essential oval experience before the big race in Indianapolis.

The three-time Grand Prix winner is also planning to have another crack at Le Mans, the race he won in 1991 with Mazda.

"I'll definitely be at Le Mans," said Herbert. "I've spoken to Bentley and we had more or less agreed everything, but there were a few other options that came up a week ago."

However, Herbert is keen to be part of the British challenge, and added: "It would be good, the heritage and the history. It would be good being one of the Bentley Boys!"