Champ Car

10th February 2008

British single-seater star Justin Wilson has secured a top drive in the US Champ Car series. The 29-year-old Englishman has signed for the Newman/Haas/Lanigan squad, where he will replace four-time champion Sebastien Bourdais, who has moved to Formula One.

Wilson has put himself in pole position for a first title, after finishing 2007 as runner-up to Bourdais. “I am excited to have the opportunity to add to the success Sebastien achieved for the team,” he said. “I am hoping to learn my environment quickly and let the results take care of themselves.”

The driver line-up is completed by rising star Graham Rahal, the 19-year-old son of three-time title holder Bobby. The teenager impres­sed in his rookie season last year, finishing fifth in the standings and becoming the youngest ever competitor to score a podium place.

Part owned by Hollywood film star Paul Newman, the Newman/Haas/Lanigan team is one of the most successful racing outfits in the US. In nearly 25 years of competition, it has won seven constructors’ champ­ionships, and previous drivers have included legendary names such as Mario Andretti and Nigel Mansell.