Jordan Sign Herbert for Management Role

The Briton, who drove for Jordan in British F3 and Formula 3000, will make his surprise return to Formula One immediately to help the future Midland outfit with driver, media, partner and sponsor relations.

"It is an honour and a pleasure to be back in Formula One racing with a team I feel so familiar with," said Herbert. "Although I never drove for Jordan in F1, it still feels like a homecoming of sorts.

"At the same time, I am excited about my new role and look forward to contributing as much as possible as the team repositions itself as Midland for the 2006 season. Management and I have discussed plans for the launch of Midland F1 and I'm thrilled to be involved at the inception of such a dynamic and ambitious project."

Herbert will report directly to Colin Kolles, Jordan's managing director.

Kolles said: "I am pleased to welcome Johnny to the team. His experience and knowledge of motorsport will be of great value to us as we continue learning and moving forward.

"He is also an extremely likeable character and someone we are proud to have as a representative of our team. His involvement will add a positive dimension to every aspect of our operation and we are all very happy to have him aboard."

Herbert's arrival in a management role comes in the same season that BAR chose to appoint former Indy 500 winner Gil de Ferran as their sporting director.