What Doesn't Kill You...: My Life in Motor Racing sums up the suffering the British endured to overcome the injuries sustained in the terrible accident at Brands Hatch. The doctors said his career was over. But a few months later, Herbert was back in the driving seat, making up for lack of physical strength with grit, determination and the ever-cheerful outlook that won over the crowds.

Having failed to make his mark in Formula One, Herbert headed for Japan to compete in Super GT and Formula Nippon. It was a good move. He joined the Mazda endurance programme and followed it to its ultimate destination, the top step of the podium at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which he shared with Bertrand Gachot and Volker Weidler. Well, to be exact, he shared the victory but not the actual podium. He was so dehydrated after the final stint that he had to be helped out of his car and was unfit to attend the winners’ ceremony.

Herbert then did a few more seasons in Formula One before returning to endurance. In 2002, he won the 12 Hours of Sebring with Dindo Capello and Christian Pescatori in the Audi R8 and was runner-up at the 24 Hours of Le Mans the same year, a performance he repeated in 2003 with Bentley and in 2004 with Audi. After his eighth Le Mans, Herbert retired from endurance, only to win the first season of the Speedcar Series in 2008.

A Formula One commentator for British television, he is also at the helm of an annual charity event, the Johnny Herbert Karting Challenge. A busy man, yet he found time to jot down a few memories.

The driver will be signing copies of his autobiography in the next few weeks. See website for details.

Photo (D.R. Archives ACO): David Brabham and Johnny Herbert (#8 Bentley) deep in conversation at the 2003 Le Mans 24 Hours.