European double header takes Rahal across the Atlantic

Graham Rahal’s 2007 Champ Car World Series campaign continues across the Atlantic for the next two weeks, with a brace of new European events to spice up this season’s highly competitive championship. A podium spot at the last round in Elkhart Lake gave Rahal a welcome leap up the Drivers Championship table rising from eighth to fifth place and only 23 points behind the leader, team mate Sebastien Bourdais.

He’s hoping that he can narrow the gap further with another strong run this weekend, with the Series’ first visit to Zolder in Belgium, a popular European racing venue which hosts the Formula 3 Masters, World Series by Renault and FIA GT championships.

Says Rahal, "I haven’t visited either of the European tracks we’re heading to, but I’ve experienced others and expect it to offer us a great opportunity to showcase Champ Cars. I don’t have much information on the circuit, but I think it’ll be similar to others on the continent with plenty of gradient changes and high speed chicanes that will provide plenty to challenge us and I’m sure we’ll be able to put on a great display of top quality racing. The crowd will be very knowledgeable and enthusiastic as well, so there’s promise of a great weekend."

"My focus is, of course, to keep up the momentum and put ourselves in position for another podium finish. Sebastien had his first Champ Car win on a European track four years ago and I’d be happy to emulate this in Zolder. I know the Medi | Zone crew will be working hard with me to go for it, and the engineers have been doing plenty of preparatory work with simulations and circuit data. We’ll be as prepared as we can be, despite not having track experience."

The Zolder circuit is steeped in history, having played host to the FIA Formula One World Championship for 10 events during the 1970s and 80s. Last year the track was modified to improve safety in preparation for the arrival of the Champ Cars.

"I’m no stranger to Europe, having lived here for a while when I was younger and Dad was working at Jaguar Racing in England, so I’m also used to the weather which can be very changeable, particularly at the wide open expanse of a circuit. It’ll be difficult to predict what it’s going to be like on race day, but that will just add to the fun ahead."

The Champ Car World Series race weekend at the Zolder circuit marks the return of Champ Cars to Europe after a four year gap, although on the last visit both events were held on ovals, while this year the championship is hosted at two classic, historic circuits.

The racing action begins on Friday morning, culminating with the Belgian Champ Car Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon, 26 August at 2pm local time, 8am ET.

- Alison Hill - photos ChampCar

photos will be on automobilsport.com under PHOTOS - VIDEOS : AMERICAN SERIES