FIA GT: Mansell to race at Silverstone

[Plex]

Nigel Mansell will race a Ferrari 430 for Scuderia Ecosse in the FIA GT Championship round at Silverstone on May 6.

The 1992 Formula One world champion has already tested with the Scottish team at Knockhill last week, and he will take part in a tyre test at Estoril less than a fortnight before his guest appearance for the team.

"This was a challenge I had to accept," said Mansell. "Stewart (Roden, team boss) runs a very good team and the cars are beautifully prepared.

"I had a great time with the team at Knockhill, and I think we are in for a great weekend of racing at Silverstone."

The deal came about after the team heard that Mansell was considering driving a similar car in the American Le Mans Series this year.

Mansell is expecting a tough FIA GT debut at his home event, and he believes that the other drivers in the field will make things as difficult as possible for him.

"The Ferrari 430 is fun to drive but it remains to be see how I will get on in a race situation, as ex-F1 drivers tend to race with a target on their backs," he said.

Roden added: "For a team that is so passionate about Ferrari we are so happy that Nigel is joining us at Silverstone.

"Nigel was the last Ferrari Formula One driver selected personally by Enzo Ferrari before the great man's death in 1988.

"We pride ourselves on our high standards, so having a driver of Nigel's calibre with us really helps us step up to the mark."

The team have not decided which of their drivers will partner Mansell in the car for the race.

Autosport