Herbert returns to F1 with Jordan.

Jordan Grand Prix and the Midland Group have announced the appointment of former F1 driver Johnny Herbert to the position of sporting relations manager, effective immediately.

The newly-created position, which reports directly to the managing director, encompasses 'a wide array of responsibilities relating to driver, media, partner and sponsor relations'.

"I am pleased to welcome Johnny to the team," said Jordan's MD, Colin Kolles. "His experience and knowledge of motorsport will be of great value to us as we continue learning and moving forward.

"He is also an extremely likeable character and someone we are proud to have as a representative of our team. His involvement will add a positive dimension to every aspect of our operation and we are all very happy to have him aboard."

Herbert, who recently celebrated his 41st birthday, returns to the team he drove for in the British F3 Championship, which he won, and Formula 3000.

Following graduation from the lower ranks, he went on to enjoy a F1 career that spanned 11 years with the Benetton, Tyrrell, Lotus, Ligier, Sauber, Stewart, Jaguar and Arrows teams. During that period, he participated in 161 races, scored 98 points and won 3 Grands Prix.

Since retiring from F1, Herbert has concentrated on sports car racing, where he has emerged as a dominant force, adding the 2004 Le Mans Endurance Series Championship to his historic Le Mans victory in 1991 with Mazda.

"It is an honour and a pleasure to be back in F1 racing with a team I feel so familiar with. Although I never drove for Jordan in F1, it still feels like a homecoming of sorts," added Herbert.

"At the same time, I am excited about my new role and look forward to contributing as much as possible as the team repositions itself as Midland for the 2006 season. Management and I have discussed plans for the launch of Midland F1 and I'm thrilled to be involved at the inception of such a dynamic and ambitious project."