Herbert loses seat to champion Werner

Johnny Herbert's options for a top-line sportscar drive this year are diminishing after he was passed over for a major seat.

The Essex-born driver has enjoyed success driving for ADT Champion Audi in the American Le Mans Series following his retirement from Formula One. He was expected to retain that job alongside his 2003 partner JJ Lehto after four victories left them as runners-up in the championship.

But, while Lehto has kept his ride, the second seat has gone to reigning champion Marco Werner, whose Joest Audi team left the ALMS for German touring cars.

"Johnny raced regularly for us in the American Le Mans Series over the past two seasons earning the team four wins with JJ last year," said a spokesman for Champion.

"Audi Sport has placed its factory drivers with customer teams for this season so we're delighted to have Marco who did a fantastic job in winning the ALMS title at his first attempt last season."

Herbert's main hope of a regular top drive appears to lie with Audi UK, who have one vacant seat for their two-car Le Mans Endurance Series squad, although he will face competition from Allan McNish.

McNish is in the running for one of the two vacant Jordan F1 seats this season but if that falls through he is high on Audi UK's list, along with Herbert.