Aussie headed for Sebring

V8 Supercar fans have another team to cheer for this year. But it's not a Ford and it's not a Holden. Ford Performance Racing's Jason Bright will be driving for Prodrive-run Aston Martin Racing this year in at least three events beginning with the Sebring 12 Hours on 18 March.

Bright came to the attention of AMR Team Principal George Howard-Chappell when he visited Australia late last year to watch Prodrive's V8 Supercar team FPR. Impressed with Bright's abilities at Symmons Plains and Phillip Island Howard-Chappell invited the 1998 Bathurst winner to complete two days' testing at the Vellelunga circuit in Italy on 8/9 February.

It is believed Bright has been contracted for the Sebring, Le Mans 24-hour and Petit Le Mans races, none of which clash with his V8 Supercar schedule.

Bright replaces another Aussie, David Brabham, who had a very successful year with Aston Martin Racing in 2005 winning his class at Sebring on the DBR9's debut. Brabham also scored a second in class at Petit Le Mans and third in class at the big one – Le Mans. Bright will join established team members Pedro Lamy, Stephane Sarrazin, Tomas Enge and Darren Turner along with first timer Formula One driver Nicolas Kiesa in the two-car team.

"I'm very excited," said Bright. "This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I can't wait to compete at some of the world's most prestigious motor races with Aston Martin Racing. Being able to draw upon the high level of experience that exists with this team should also help my Australian V8 Supercar Championship campaign."

Bright's previous international experience has included Indy Lights, Formula Ford 2000, Champ Cars and World Sports Cars.