Firman competes in Nelson Mandela GP event.

Ralph Firman returned to the wheel of a Formula One car for the first time since the end of 2003, when he drove a two seater Minardi in the F1x2 Grand Prix event held in Kyalami, South Africa in aid of Nelson Mandela's Children's Fund.

The event included two 10-lap two-seater races - each with a pit-stop to check the passengers were okay! - and Firman enjoyed taking his passengers around the track.

"It was fun to drive the two seater F1 car," he said. "Driving at Kyalami was a great experience and I would like to see a Grand Prix held here again. We had a fantastic crowd of over 70,000 people."

Joining Firman in the line up of Grand Prix drivers was Johnny Herbert, Gianmaria Bruni, Bas Leinders and Nicholas Kieasa.

"I was delighted to be associated with such a prominent cause, supporting the Children's Fund, especially through such a unique event. The F1x2 event will help to highlight the issues faced by young people in South Africa today."

Whilst in South Africa Firman also had the opportunity to visit the Zwahili Game Lodge to try his hand at silhouette shooting and archery.

Firman's trip to South Africa came after a busy week, which included him performing strongly in the London Triathlon, where he completed the 1500m swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run in 2:23:47.