MARCH 23, 1998

Nigel Mansell's latest comeback

FORMER Formula 1 and Indycar Champion Nigel Mansell is to make a racing comeback this season at the wheel of a Ford Mondeo in selected rounds of the British Touring Car Championship.

FORMER Formula 1 and Indycar Champion Nigel Mansell is to make a racing comeback this season at the wheel of a FordÊMondeo in selected rounds of the British Touring Car Championship. The 44-year-old British driver who has been out of Grand Prix racing since being dropped by McLaren early in 1995 has signed a deal to race in three high-profile rounds of the BTCC.

The deal may be expanded if the car proves to be competitive although it is unlikely that West Surrey Racing, which runs the Ford Mondeos, will expand to three cars which means that one of the regular drivers: Will Hoy or New Zealander CraigÊBaird may have to sit out races to make way for Mansell.

Mansell remains a big draw in Britain and the BTCC organizers are hoping that he will contest the majority of the races to increase TV viewership and spectator attendances.