Bits of news from Autosport

Fittipaldi joins Team Modena again
Team Modena have signed Christian Fittipaldi for the line-up for this year's Le Mans 24 Hours.

The Brazilian former Formula One driver will be joining Jos Menten and Terry Borcheller at the wheel of Team Modena's Aston Martin DBR9 in this year's Le Mans classic in June.

Thirty-seven year-old Fittipaldi, currently racing in the American Le Mans Series, had already competed in Le Mans last year with the team.

"I'm very happy in being able to go back to Le Mans with Team Modena," said Fittipaldi. "Our car was very competitive last year until we hit problems. It's the team's third time in the famous race and hopefully that experience will help.

"I have driven with Terry in America and with Jos last year, both have Le Mans experience and are very quick - that will for sure play a major role in the outcome of the race. Competition is going to be hard, but I'm excited and looking forward to it."

Team principal Graham Schultz added: "I think we have a fantastic driver line up for Le Mans. We are excited to have Terry Borcheller join us for the race and know him from our links with the Bell Motorsport Aston Martin in the US.

"He knows Christian and they will work well together, and Jos simply slotted in with us last year and did a great job. We have a good squad and are confident about our chances."

Aston confirm Frentzen for Le Mans

Aston Martin have confirmed Heinz-Harald Frentzen will return to racing action this year when he compates with the team in the Le Mans 24 Hours.

The German driver, who has not raced since he retired from the DTM at the end of 2006, will compete in the 007 Aston alongside Italian Andrea Piccini and Austrian Karl Wendlinger.

Former Formula One driver Frentzen has taken part in the Le Mans classic just once, in 1992.

Back then he raced a Lola-Judd for the Euro Racing team and finished in 13th position overall.

"I've only driven at Le Mans once, 16 years ago, so it's a great pleasure to come back to such a famous race - especially with a prestigious team like Aston Martin, which has formed part of the history of motorsport," said the 40-year-old German, who had tested for Aston at Paul Ricard in March.

"The circuit is obviously very demanding, but the biggest challenge for us will be to stay fully focussed and concentrated over the course of the whole 24 hours."

Aston, who took victory in the GT1 class last year, also confirmed the 009 car will driven by David Brabham, Antonio Garcia and Darren Turner. Brabham and Turner were part of the team who took victory in last year's race.

"I think we've got another very strong line-up this year," said Aston Martin Racing Team Principal George Howard-Chappell. "David and Darren are absolutely known quantities to us, having formed part of the crew that won GT1 last year, and it's very good to have them on board again.

"Antonio and Karl have both been extremely active in our customer teams, and we have been very impressed with them throughout our testing programme. Andrea drove for us at Le Mans in 2006 - as well as in America – so we're delighted to welcome him back.

"As for Heinz-Harald, his reputation speaks for itself, so we look forward to a successful collaboration and another exciting race."