Herbert heeds Mandela request

Ex-Formula One star Johnny Herbert will get behind the wheel of a grand prix car again after a special request from Nelson Mandela.

Herbert, who won three grands prix during his time with Benetton and Stewart, was asked by the former South African president to turn out in a Minardi for a charity event at Kyalami.

Mandela invited several current and former Formula One stars to the event but so far only Herbert and Marc Gene have agreed to race in the two-seater event, which benefits charities fighting hunger and protecting children.

Herbert, who currently drives for Audi in sportscars, and Gene join Minardi regulars Gianmaria Bruni and Nicolas Kiesa for the event, with local driver Alan van der Merwe also taking part.