Mansell gears up for return

Nigel Mansell, the 1992 world champion, will return to a Formula One cockpit next month when he drives a Jordan through London's West End.

Mansell has not driven competitively since walking out of McLaren nine years ago, but he tested for Jordan this week and will demonstrate an EJ14 in Regent Street on 6 July in a procession of cars to promote next month's British Grand Prix.

Mansell, who won 31 grands prix during his 15-year career, said: "It is great to be back in an F1 car, reunited with the love of my life. I think what London is doing is very special for the British Grand Prix.

"When I got the phone call from Eddie Jordan asking me if I would do this, it seemed the right thing to do."

Meanwhile, Formula One chiefs have rejected plans to revamp motor sport's qualifying rules.

The existing one-lap shoot-out has been criticised by supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who claims it is not exciting enough.

Fans and broadcasters are also unhappy with the process, which sees only one car on the track at any time.

After suggestions from Ecclestone, teams came up with a revised system which would see two 25-minute sessions in which drivers would have to complete a total of 12 laps.

But world governing body, the FIA, have rejected those proposals and qualifying at Silverstone will retain the current format.