Herbert Joins Arrows as Test Driver
Johnny Herbert will make a shock return to Formula One this season as development and testing driver for Arrows.
Johnny Herbert will make a shock return to Formula One this season as development and testing driver for Arrows.
Herbert, who left the Jaguar Racing team at the end of last season, will provide support for Arrows drivers Jos Verstappen and Enrique Bernoldi. The news was announced at Arrows' launch of their new car at their Leafield base today.
Herbert left Formula One after 12 seasons to pursue a career in the American-based Champ car series. He was reported to have turned down a testing deal with BMW-Williams last November, but after failing to secure a Champ Car drive he has made a u-turn and joined Arrows.
Commenting on the announcement, Arrows Team Principal, Tom Walkinshaw, said: "It's great to have Johnny on board. We have good continuity with Jos (Verstappen), fresh talent with Enrique (Bernoldi) and with the experience of Johnny we have a complete driver line-up."
Herbert too sounded words of delight. "I see OrangeArrows as a team of people who are very serious about their racing performance but also like to enjoy life and that suits my philosophy down to the ground. This is a new challenge for me, I know I can make a valid contribution and I am very much looking forward to getting down to business."
Herbert will make his debut for the team in a test at the Silverstone circuit on March 7, three days after the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
The Briton said earlier this week that he hoped to compete in the prestigious Indianapolis 500 and Le Mans-24 Hour races, and it is believed that his testing duties with Arrows will not interfere with this aim.
Share Or Save This Story
When Alesi was reunited with his “dream” F1 racer
Why Warwick has been suspended as FIA steward for F1 Canadian GP
Why the uber-successful Audi R8 splits opinion like few other racing cars
Obituary: March and Arrows F1 co-founder Alan Rees
Top 10 Arrows F1 drivers ranked: Hill, Warwick, Fittipaldi and more
The forgotten member of F1’s greatest rookie crop
Hamilton claims Dutch GP radio outbursts weren't "the best version of me"
WRC seeking Chinese manufacturer with plan of "six constructors by 2029"
McLaren appealing Monaco GP result "with a double intent"
The questions surrounding Plato Racing/CPRL after administration
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments