Herbert set for works Audi

Herbert, who drove for the privateer Champion Racing outfit at Le Mans this year, is in the final stages of talks with the German manufacturer which is seeking its third successive win in the round-the-clock French sportscar classic.

"We are in talks with Johnny about having him in one of our cars," said Audi motorsport boss Wolfgang Ullrich. "His performances in the American Le Mans Series last season were excellent and he would fit in well in our team.

"Before contracts are signed, all I can say is that I hope very much that a deal will be done," he added.




Herbert, 36, would share his Joest-run Audi R8 with Rinaldo Capello and Laurent Aiello, and would also contest the Sebring 12 Hours in America with the team as a warm-up event. He could also continue to race with Champion in the other rounds of the ALMS.

"I want to work with Johnny again," said team boss David Maraj. "He won't be able to do Sebring, but I'd like him to do the other nine races."

The works Audi team has yet to confirm its full-time presence in this year's ALMS, although Ullrich told AUTOSPORT that the deal was "getting closer".