SUNDERLAND driver Warren Hughes has been signed to drive for top British Sportscar team RML and will race their new MG/Lola prototype in this year's Le Mans 24 Hour race.

The deal marks Hughes' return to the world's most prestigious sportscar race after a three year absence.

Hughes' original intention had been to race at Le Mans with Team LNT, the outfit he is contracted to for the 2005 season, to drive their TVR.

But, Team LNT had its request to race at this year's Le Mans turned down as the event is over subscribed.

RML, on the other hand, were granted entry and their all new MG/Lola competes in the LMP2 category, which is the second highest of the four categories which make up the Le Mans field.

Once it was announced Team LNT would not be competing, RML wasted no time in signing Hughes to drive alongside Brazilian Thomas Erdos and British driver, Mike Newton.

Hughes' experience of the previous MG prototype at Le Mans, when he impressed as part of MG's factory backed line up in 2001 and 2002, proved a major factor in RML's desire to sign him.

"We have received tremendous interest from a number of very good drivers for the final seat in the MG, which shows how strong our programme is," said RML Chief Executive Ray Mallock. "However, we feel Warren is the right driver to bring into the team and are pleased to have him on board for our Le Mans campaign.

"His impressive career shows that he has the adaptability to compete at the top level whatever car he drives and we feel alongside Mike and Tommy we have a strong package for the race".

Hughes has already begun his preparations for this year's event with a two-day test at Snetterton in Norfolk recently.

He immediately settled back in to driving a prototype with some fast lap times and on the second day some impressive endurance running.

"It's great to be driving a prototype again," said Hughes. "After this session it feels like I've never been away. It's a superb car and a great team running it.

"If we can maintain the reliability we've had over these two days I believe we can win our category and get a very strong result overall."

Hughes is taking part in another UK test this week before the team prepare the car for the official test at Le Mans on Sunday. The 2005 Le Mans 24 Hour race takes place on June 18 and 19.