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Lehto to drive Champion Audi

Former Formula 1 driver JJ Lehto has been confirmed in the Team ADT Champion Racing Audi American Le Mans Series squad for 2003 alongside Britain's Johnny Herbert

Lehto, who raced for Cadillac last season, will be the mainstay of the team's championship effort, however, as Herbert will be racing for Bentley at Sebring, the opening round of the ALMS on March 15. Stefan Johansson will fill in for the Britain at Sebring and Le Mans, where they will also be joined by former Joest racer Emanuele Pirro.

"I couldn't have chosen a better car to drive than the Audi R8 which has dominated sportscar racing recently," said Lehto. "As for Champion, the team is very professional and I'm truly delighted to be part of its set-up. I'm certain I'll be adding to my ALMS victory tally this season and can't wait to actually drive an Audi having spend the last couple of seasons chasing after them!"

Audi has completely revamped its sportscar programme for 2003 with its all-conquering R8 prototype, and will not launch a works effort at Le Mans this year. Three-time ALMS champions Joest will field just one car in the full ALMS this year, and regular driver Frank Biela will be joined by Marco Werner, who drove for the squad at Le Mans last year.

Werner will also fill the final slot at Audi Sport Japan Team Goh at Le Mans, alongside Seiji Ara and Jan Magnussen.

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