Manning to race for Great Britain

Even though Manning has never driven at the Shanghai track, John Surtees' British squad have called on his single-seater experience for the round at Shanghai International Circuit because regular driver Robbie Kerr is unavailable.

The 30-year-old Yorkshire man will also be reunited with his former F3000 team Arden International, who run the Team GBR entry in the self-proclaimed World Cup of Motorsport.

It will be Manning's first race since he was let go by Chip Ganassi Racing in July 2005, one-and-a-half years after joining the IRL team.

Regular Team GBR driver Kerr is unavailable for the final round of the series due to needing to be at Le Mans for a test with his new World Series by Renault team KTR.

Kerr will be joined at the test by teammate and A1 Team Canada regular Sean McIntosh. McIntosh's place in China is again being taken by IRL driver Patrick Carpentier.

Kerr will take part in his final race with the team in Laguna Seca this weekend, where the Manning deal will be formally announced. Manning will be present to watch for the team for this weekend's round.

It will be the first time someone other than Kerr has raced for British team this season. Former McLaren Autosport award winner Alex Lloyd remains part of the team, but has not been given a chance to practise with the car on a race weekend.

PKV Racing's Champ Car driver Katherine Legge briefly tested with the team at the Dubai round, but didn't race.

Surtees has tried to secure other drivers for guest drives this season, including new Ganassi driver Dan Wheldon. However his new employers were understood to have blocked the move.

Team GBR are locked in a battle with Brazil for third place in the inaugural series. Going into this weekend's round in Laguna Seca they have a slender three-point advantage over the Brazilians.