Cape Town - Former Australia quick Mitchell Johnson will be looking to crank up the speed again when he takes to the track to make his Formula 1000 debut at Barbagello Raceway.

Johnson had been plying his trade as a T20 specialist since his international retirement but earlier this year he hung up his cricket boots for good.

Speaking to the Wanneroo Times, Johnson said: "I've always loved my cars, I've always had that passion.

"For me it's that release - it's not quite the same as what I got with cricket but it's a great adrenaline rush for me to get my mind off things. You're going pretty quick, you've got so many technical things to think about - when you're going to turn into the corner, braking, feeling the car. It's been a great process - I'm starting to really enjoy it."

Johnson is set to take part in a charity race this weekend.

Johnson likened his first time in a racing car to facing Shaoib Akhtar at full tilt.

"I faced Shoaib Akhtar when I was playing for Queensland," he said.

"He's got this massive run-up - the first ball, I was sort of shaking there. His first ball, hit for four, it was a full toss and I ran past and said 'please don't hit me'. It was almost the same as the first time I was driving out here."

Formula 1000 is an open wheel class of Formula car racing with professional and amateur series worldwide. Cars are generally purchased ready-to-race from manufacturers across the globe. The sport takes its name from the 1000cc superbike engine used to power a single seat, open wheel race car that resembles a Formula 1 car.

Johnson retired with 313 wickets in 73 Tests and will be remembered for his fearsome spells in the 2013/14 Ashes whitewash of England.