JOKER JOHNNY IS RATTLING HIS SAUBER!

Sauber-rattling Johnny Herbert has spiked his "wally" image with a razor-sharp attack on his critics.

Formula One funnyman Herbert lines up in San Marino this afternoon for his 100th Grand Prix determined to make a name for himself with the Red Bull Sauber Petronas team.

Only four drivers - Michael Schumacher, Damon Hill, Gerhard Berger and Jacques Villeneuve have scored more race wins than Herbert.

But the little man from Brentwood, who finished fourth in Argentina a fortnight ago, is out to show the world once and for all that he has got what it takes to reach the top.

He said "I don't feel that I have had any recognition for winning at Silverstone and Spain with Benetton in 1995. Now it has become a thing for me to prove a point.

"Those people who thought I was a no-good wally when I was at Benetton were being ridiculous.

"I was fast before I joined them and I am fast again. If I can win again with Sauber, maybe then the respect will follow."

Herbert is even overshadowed by the rest of the Formula One Brit pack.

World champion Damon Hill still hogs the limelight despite struggling finish for the Arrows.

Scotsman David Coulthard has won as many races as Herbert (two) but has a much higher profile with McLaren-Mercedes.

Even Ferrari's controversial Irishman Eddie Irvine enjoys more attention than Herbert - and he has yet to win a race.

In Argentina Irvine's battling performance to finish second to Villeneuve secured all the plaudits leaving Herbert out in the cold despite taking fourth place. But what Herbert lacks in height he makes up for in determination.

A horror Formula 3000 accident in 1988 smashed both his ankles and nearly destroyed his career. He bravely took fourth place on his debut for Benetton the following year - and was promptly dumped.

He spent five years at Lotus, then returned to Benetton in 1994 and ran smack into Michael Schumacher.

Benetton threw all their support behind the German, leaving Herbert to turn up for race days with no experience of testing his car.

Herbert still managed to gain 45 points to finish fourth in the World Championship but even that did not save him from the chop again. Even victory at Silverstone was spoiled by the Hill v Schumacher clash.

Herbert scored only four points for Sauber last year but still managed to show Heinz-Harald Frentzen just how quick he could be.

Now Frentzen has joined Williams there is a clear road ahead for Herbert, who says: "I am not a bitter man. There is no reason why I should be. Motor racing can be a very mean sport but you've just got to get on with it.

"Some people criticise me for mucking about but it's my way of releasing the pressure - it makes me mentally better prepared to have a laugh and a joke.

"Some people bottle their problems up like Damon. He goes very quiet but if I did that I would be slowing myself down even before I got into the car.

"But I am very professional when it comes down to motor racing. You don't have to be a world champion to be recognised - but winning races regularly certainly helps," he said.

Copyright 1997 MGN LTD
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.