The Mercedes Sauber C9 recently sold by Bonhams is to return to its racing origins in the 2008 Group C race series.

While the car failed to sell at Retromobile on February 9, it was recently sold privately by Bonhams to the Australian collector and historic racer Rob Sherrard.

Sherrard intends to race the car in this year's Group C series and it will also appear at Silverstone Classic on July 25-27.

The car, chassis number 05A, was driven to victory by Jean-Louis Schlesser and Jochen Mass in the 1989 World Sports Car Championship. It also holds the record for the highest recorded speed during a timed race – 253mph.

Restored by Sauber in 1992, the car remained in Switzerland until it was sold to Sherrard in March this year.

For further information about the Sauber click here.

For details on the Group C race series see www.groupcracing.com.