Herbert aims for Le Mans and Indy 500

Herbert, who won three Grands Prix for Benetton and Stewart GP, has harboured ambitions of taking part in America's biggest single-seater race for quite some time. The 36-year-old will test for the Arrows F1 team this season, but has underlined his commitment to racing elsewhere. He attempted to find a seat in the US-based Champ Car series, but has now turned his attentions to the Indy Racing League's showpiece race, the Indy 500, which takes place on May 27.

"It looks good, I'm doing the 500 and Le Mans," said Herbert. "I've got a drive [in the IRL] if we can get the budget."

A source from inside the Herbert camp added: "We're talking to people and if it comes off it will be with a top team. He'll hopefully do three IRL races to see what it's all about and that will include the Indy 500. Everything depends on funding and whether they can afford to do it."

Herbert's other plans revolve around the Le Mans 24 Hour race on June 16-17, which he hopes to contest with the returning Bentley marque.

"I've spoken to Bentley and we had more or less agreed everything," said Herbert.

The Briton is currently waiting to hear from Bentley if it wants to go ahead with the deal, as are a number of other drivers also believed to be in the frame.