McNish and Herbert for Audi

They join last year's Le Mans winner Guy Smith, plus Darren Turner, Frank Biela, Jamie Davies and German youngster Pierre Kaffer. As well as the Le Mans 24 Hours, the team will also contest the Sebring 12 Hours and the inaugural four-race Le Mans Endurance Series.

McNish won Le Mans in 1998 for Porsche and the American Le Mans Series with Audi in 2000.

"I had a very successful and happy time when I was with Audi previously while Le Mans is a very special race and dear to my heart," said McNish. "The Audi R8 has been further developed since I raced one and is an outstanding sportscar. But Le Mans glory, in the actual 24 Hour race or the new Series, will not be easy - we'll need to fight hard for victories."

Herbert and triple Le Mans winner Biela will only compete at Le Mans and Sebring for the British Audi team. Monaco-based 1991 Le Mans winner Herbert won three grands prix during a 12-year F1 stint and has spent the last three years racing for Audi in America, and drove for Bentley at Le Mans last year.

"I've finished second at Le Mans for the past two years - including 2002 with the factory Audi team," he said. "We'll be up against two similar Audis at Le Mans run by American and Japanese teams so it will be tough but I have every confidence in Veloqx and am looking forward to the challenge."

Turner has been an official McLaren F1 test driver for the past six years. He will compete in the Le Mans Endurance Series and will be reserve driver for Sebring and Le Mans.

"I'm delighted to be continuing my relationship with Veloqx and overjoyed I'll be driving an Audi - to be racing an R8 in the LMES is a tremendous opportunity for me," he said.

David Ingram, Audi UK's Motorsport Manager, said: "It's great to have Allan back in an Audi R8 - the first time since winning the 2000 ALMS title. He has always been a popular member of the Audi squad and his ability in the car will add considerable strength to our team.

"Johnny has been a regular part of Audi's sportscar activities in recent years and when we had the opportunity to put together an Audi Sport UK programme, he was an obvious candidate. Furthermore Darren brings added ability and experience to the team for the LMES and I am very excited about our prospects."