Alesi to return to racing
Former F1 star Jean Alesi is to make a spectacular return to racing later this year.
The Frenchman, now 42 years old, is to take part in the Speedcar Series, a new Asia and Middle East-based stock car championship.
The series features 18 races over nine weekends from November until April 2008, and involves 24 identical 600bhp cars.
Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone said: “It seems motorsport is really becoming a reality in Asia and the Middle East.
“I would like to think this is due to the popularity of Formula One. The new Speedcar Series will consequently add even more interest.”
Alesi competed in 203 grands prix over 13 seasons for Tyrrell, Ferrari, Benetton, Sauber and Prost, before five years in DTM, the German Touring Car Championship.
But stock cars will be a new venture for Alesi who said: “I’ve driven many different types of cars from all across the world, including F1, DTM, sports cars, touring cars, rally cars and ice racers.
“Stock cars are the only type of racer that I still want to try, so I am truly excited to be involved in this innovative new championship from the start.”
