Vasser to compete in Long Beach

Furthermore, Kalkhoven has not ruled out the possibility of further one-offs from his co-team owner.

Spaniard Oriol Servia was signed this week to drive the team's second car alongside Katherine Legge, prompting speculation that Vasser would, after all, hang up his driving gloves.

However, the team now intend to run a third car for Vasser at Long Beach and possibly at other events this season.

"Jimmy is really excited about racing in Long Beach next month," Kalkhoven told autosport.com. "In fact, he jumped at the chance.

"Jimmy didn't announce his retirement in 2005, because he was so unsure whether he could be a good team owner and driver simultaneously, so he hasn't yet really had a send-off.

"So with him being Californian, we figured that a race in front of the Long Beach crowd would be a great way for a champion to sign off his career.

"Now, though, I'm not so sure Long Beach will be his finale at all. Depending on how much he feels he needs to be on the pitwall running the team this year, I think there's every chance he could drive a third car [along Servia and Legge] at some more rounds, such as maybe San Jose and Road America.

"He's still got the fire burning; Jimmy could end up making more comebacks than Cher."