Following the announcement that he is to participate in the forthcoming Grand Prix Masters series, former F1 World Championship, has been talking about the new series and what it was that persuaded him to return to the cockpit.

"The idea of a Grand Prix Masters series has been mooted by many for years and at last the dream becomes a reality!" said the Englishman. "Since winning the FIA Formula One World Championship with Williams back in 1992 and eventually retiring from full time single seater racing in 1995, I have spent valuable time with my family while successfully transforming my beloved Woodbury Park estate into one of the best golf complexes of it's kind.

"The hunger and desire to go racing, however, never leaves your blood," he continued, "but the right opportunity has never really come along, until now that is!

"It's one thing to be reacquainting myself with adversaries such as Prost, Fittipaldi and Patrese but throw in the added bonus of 200mph Grand Prix cars on legendary race tracks and you have the ingredients for what will be spectacular racing and the start of a very special championship indeed.

"The rivalry between us all will be no different from those glory days back in the 1980s and 90s," he promised, "but given the challenges this time round, the demands of racing will be tougher for all concerned.

"While the primary objective here is fun, entertainment and unprecedented access for race fans, the preparation, commitment and desire to win will be no less to the last time I drove a Grand Prix car in anger," he added.

"To think of Nigel climbing back into a race car today gives me goose bumps," said Mansell's former boss, Sir Frank Williams, "because I know he will be no less committed and no less determined to win! Nothing will have changed that very essence of competition that is so deeply engrained in him. I will watch with interest!

"It is a fascinating prospect to see some of the sport's finest pedigree, albeit a little older and hopefully wiser, back in the saddle again," he added, "and I have every conviction that the racing will be no less committed or competitive despite the great vintage of its drivers!"

"We could not have asked for a better start to the Grand Prix Masters World Series than by having one of the biggest names in global motorsport commit to a long term deal of this kind!" said Scott Poulter, Grand Prix Masters CEO, "We are simply stunned, naturally delighted and extremely honoured to have on-board one of the most determined and acclaimed racers ever to grace a circuit!

"Nigel's commitment has been nothing short of absolute right from the onset of our discussions and as is typical of the man, his bullish and gutsy attitude towards making this a long term success is what we have come to expect from the man the Ferrari 'tifosi' call 'Il Leone,' (The Lion)."

For more details check out the official Grand Prix Masters website