Peter Dumbreck continues his unorthodox route towards the top with confirmation that he will join the mighty Mercedes sports car team for the 24-hour French Le Mans classic in June, and race Formula Nippon single seaters in Japan.

At 25, with Japan's 1998 Formula 3 title and F3's premier event at Macau to his credit, Dumbreck's Mercedes deal came by coveted invitation. But the Fifer has had to work hard to secure the Nippon drive for the emerging Leyjun outfit, run by printing magnate Osamu Nakajima.

Formula Nippon is similar to European F3000, but more rapid and less restrictive, which edges it closer to F1.

Japanese economic austerity means Dumbreck is seeking commercial backing to offset living costs but can take some solace from Spanish F1 graduate Pedro de la Rosa's two Formula Nippon titles.

Last year's Le Mans winner for Porsche, Allan McNish, returns for Toyota, providing the potential for a Scottish 1-2.