BRITAIN'S three time world motor racing champion Jackie Stewart is poised to return to Formula One - as an owner.

The 57 year old Scotsman and his son Paul are believed to have linked up with Ford to run a team in the 1997 season. An official announcement is expected from Detroit tomorrow.

Stewart is Britain's most successful ever Grand Prix driver, winning the world championship in 1969, 1971 and 1973. He was runner up in 1968 and 1972.

His son, under the name of Paul Stewart Racing, has become one of the top teams in Formula 3000 as well as Formula Three and Formula Vauxhall.

Stewart said recently that he would only go back into Formula One if the backing was available.

"It is certain that we will not go, into FI in a half hearted manner. It has to be something substantial and long term. We have to get the backing in place and do it properly," he stated.