BRITAIN'S favourite Johnny Herbert will be back behind the wheel next month to race for Team Dynamics in the final three rounds of this year's British Touring Car Championship.

The 45-year-old will replace James Thompson - who is contracted to race in V8 supercars and WTCC for the rest of the season - for the BTCC rounds at Silverstone, Rockingham and Brands Hatch.

"It will be a challenge, I have no doubt about that, guys like Fabrizio Giovanardi and Jason Plato just have so much experience in touring cars, but I'm very much looking forward to it.

"I haven't raced a front-wheel drive car since I did a round of the Spanish SEAT Cup about seven years ago, and the Rockingham test, which was only an afternoon really and didn't give me too much opportunity to really get down to business, so hopefully with a bit more track time I can be competitive."

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CASEY STONER SETBACK

MYSTERY - Casey Stoner

THE mystery illness plaguing MOTOGP star Casey Stoner look set to ruin his title chances with the Australian deciding to sit out the next three rounds until docs discover what is wrong with the ace.

Stoner, currently third in the championship, will be replaced at Brno, Indianapolis and Misano by flying Finn Mika Kallio.

"After five extremely difficult races due to my health, I returned to Australia to visit the sports doctors who have looked after me for many years," said Stoner.

"We have taken the difficult decision not to contest the next three rounds of the championship, to allow my body time to recover from the recent stress.

"The doctors believe that during the Barcelona race I was suffering from a virus, and that I subsequently pushed my body too hard, leading to problems that have caused my fatigue since then. The doctors are continuing with many tests to try to understand these problems and make sure it does not happen again.

"I have spoken with Ducati and thank them for their understanding at this time. I feel very sorry for the factory, my team, my sponsors and the fans, and I am also disappointed because the bike in the last races has been very competitive. I will be doing everything possible to come back at full strength for Portugal."

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MARIA DE VILLOTA FOLLOWS DAD

ANY MAN who thinks girls can't drive should tell that to Maria de Villota who has just been signed up to race in the footy-themed Superleauge Formula.

The 30-year-old Spaniard, daughter of former grand prix driver Emilio de Villota, will replace former GP2 racer Ho-Pin Tung at Atletico Madrid in the next round at Estoril.

Experienced De Villota - who has previously raced in World Touring Cars, Spanish Formula 3 and Formula Palmer Audi - will also get the drive for the final two rounds at Monza and Jarama.

"I tested the car last November and it is the most powerful I have ever driven," said de Villota. "It is fantastic to drive, with a huge amount of horsepower. The V12 engine and its overall look and feel make it very reminiscent of an F1 car. I can't wait for next month so I can race it.

"This is the biggest opportunity of my career so far. I am from Madrid so it is a huge honour for me to be able to represent Atletico in Superleague Formula.

"We have two very successful football clubs here in Madrid but I have always been a supporter of Atletico. They are a club with a huge amount of character and the fans are so loyal and passionate. They always support their team through the good times and the bad."

"Jarama is my home track, I live very close by, I can't wait to race there as I think the Atletico fans will come out and support their team and the race will be a real highlight for me. Spanish people are very passionate about football and motorsport so it should be a fantastic weekend."

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WIN! WIN! WIN!

AFTER our exclusive interview with commentating legend Murray Walker he has given us a special signed copy of his new book to be given away to one lucky reader.

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