THIS weekend sees the return to top line motor sport of one of Ireland's best racing drivers Martin Donnelly.

It is seven years since his driving career was dramatically ended when his Formula One Lotus disintegrated in a 150 m.p.h. accident at Jerez.

On Sunday he opens his account as a Formula Three team, owner after a story of recovery from near death. Six months after the crash he walked unaided up the aisle to marry Diane McWhirter.

Since then the Donnellys have lived in Norfolk, running teams in the junior Formulas winning Formula Ford and Formula Vauxhall titles before this big step forward.

Donnelly will run two cars: "I have a very good new Brazilian, Mario Haberfield, and an experienced English guy, Mark Shaw, he said. I think we'll go well."

Ironically, two leading contenders for the F3 title are also from Belfast - Jonny Kane and Kevin McGarrity.