Herbert lands Indy 500 drive

The 37-year-old will drive for historical US team Duesenberg Brothers Racing, whose own cars won the classic four times in the 1920s.

Herbert has been chasing an Indy drive since retiring from F1 at the end of 2000. He wants to add a victory at the Brickyard to his three GP wins and 1991 success at Le Mans.

"Since I was 10 years old I wanted to win Formula 1 - which I've done - Le Mans - which I've done - and the Indy 500. It was those three that I wanted to win," said the Briton. "I am very pleased to be given this wonderful opportunity by [sponsor] Western Union and Duesenberg Brothers Racing to complete my dream and race in this year's Indy 500 - especially with an experienced team and a strong Chevrolet/Dallara/Firestone equipment package."

The Duesenberg team announced its intention to return to Indy last year having run cars in junior US single-seater series like Toyota Atlantic. "This is a dream I've been pursuing since my family introduced me to my first Indy 500 when I was seven," said team owner Keith Duesenberg. "To be able to return to the speedway with Johnny Herbert as our driver really is a dream come true."

Herbert tested at Indy last year for Heritage Motorsports, but the budget was not available for him to land a drive. He also came close to sealing a deal with Sigma Motorsport for a full Champ Car season, but that fell through too.

Along with the Indy 500, which takes place on May 26, Herbert will also attempt to score a second Le Mans win with the factory Audi squad, having already won the Sebring 12 Hours classic last month.

If Herbert did take victory at Indy, he would not be the first to win in F1, Le Mans and the 500. Graham Hill is the only driver to complete the true 'triple crown' of winning the Monaco GP (five times), Le Mans (1972) and the Indy 500 (1966).