BENTLEY Motors' Le Mans Team this week received a huge boost when it was announced five times Le Mans winner, Derek Bell, is to join the squad.

Derek is to work as a consultant to the Crewe-based team giving his experiences during the crucial preparation period to the 2001 team.

The race master will also be on hand during the race in June to offer strategic and tactical assistance and advice to the team.

Regular drivers will also benefit from Derek's expertise as he is to help develop the company's forthcoming road cars.

Derek said: "I can scarcely believe it's happening, it is truly a job description from heaven. In the last 30 years of my career I have worked with so many car companies, but have had hardly any involvement with British manufacturers.

"Now I find myself not only working for Bentley but also helping out with its return to Le Mans," he added.

Derek, who has raced at Le Mans 26 times and won in 1975, 81, 82, 86 and 87, highlighted the resources at Crewe as one of the reason he decided to join the team.

"Bentley is one of few great names in motoring and I do not say that lightly, all the marque has achieved over the years is undoubtedly one of the great tales of our industry," he added.

Derek continues to race saloon cars with great success in the US and has not ruled out a return to Le Mans behind the wheel.

"I turned down a drive in a competitive car to be with Bentley so who knows, but I won't be racing this year," he added.