But Birmingham-based manufacturer MG has surprisingly been denied a second works entry by organisers of the 24-hour race.

That means Blundell will drive MG's only factory car and, after running well before reliability problems struck last season, he hopes to win the LMP675 class this year.

Blundell will also be aiming for a top-three spot overall with the MG-Lola EX257.

He won Le Mans in 1992 and is excited about the challenge offered by this year's French classic.

He said: "We had a lot of success there last year with a new car. We didn't get to the end of the race but I think we surprised a lot of people.

"We've learned from that and all the elements should be stronger this year.

"I think to win the class is a must, and then to position ourselves to be in the top three finishers would be very realistic. That is something we'll be aiming for.

"I'm very much looking forward to doing Le Mans. It's a great event with a huge atmosphere and it was fantastic there last year with Union Jacks waving wherever you went.

"There were hordes of Brits travelling across to support the British marques and I'm looking forward to it."

Britain will have its most impressive entry of recent years in the event, with Bentley expected to challenge last year's winning Audi squad for the crown.

Spectacular

Despite not having a second factory effort, there will be another MG squad at Le Mans with the privateer KnightHawk team having their entry accepted.

Ascari have been granted just one slot on the entry list while Morgan will make their long-awaited return to the race, campaigning the spectacular new Aero 8.

Blundell's former F1 sparring partner Johnny Herbert will be among the favourites for the race after his success in the works Audi at the Sebring 12-Hour Race.

Meanwhile, Britain's Johnny Mowlem has been confirmed as driver for the works Saleen team's Le Mans challenge.