THE SIDELINES : Mansell to Return to Racing

Nigel Mansell ended weeks of speculation over his future when he agreed today to rejoin the Williams Formula One team.

The confirmation of Briton Mansell’s long-awaited decision came in an announcement from the Williams team and separate statement issued by Mansell from his home in the Isle of Man.

Mansell, 37, left Williams in 1988 to join Ferrari, but in July this year he announced he was retiring from motor racing at the end of this year to spend more time with his family.

Mansell, in his statement, said he had held long discussions with his wife, Rosanne, who supported his decision.