Johnny Herbert is convinced that his decision to join Stewart for the 1999 and 2000 seasons will help propel him back into the F1 limelight.



(I've joined Stewart at the right time,) Herbert insisted, (Ambitions are very high - as are my own - and I'm really looking forward to the new season)



The Englishman - who won two races with the Benetton team in 1995 - joins Stewart at the same time as former Jordan designer Gary Anderson. Anderson was the man behind the Spa '98 winning car, and will refine Alan Jenkins' impressive-looking Stewart SF-3 chassis throughout 1999. In addition to the arrival of Anderson, Stewart will also benefit from the introduction of the lower, lighter CR1 Ford V10, which is expected to move the Milton Keynes outfit closer to its front-running rivals.



Herbert also expects to get more from the driving partnership he will form with Stewart stalwart Rubens Barrichello. After a season of discontent at Sauber with Jean Alesi, Herbert is looking forward to teaming up with the under-rated Brazilian. (There were times when [Alesi] was just like a baby, spitting out his dummy,) said Herbert, (I don't think I'll have any problems with Rubens. He's a much easier going guy - and we both want to go out there and do it for the team.)



Team principal Jackie Stewart shared Herbert's views: (The drivers are at the stage in their careers where it is important to prove a point. They are hungry, and that fits with the way the team feels. They have the experience, and are solid enough to help us get to where we want to be. They are as important a stepping stone as every other part.)