Ex-Minardi Justin Wilson takes Bourdais's place at Newman/Haas/Lanigan

Everything as expected. Or as many didn't hope, in an attempt to shake up something that seemed already written. In the early afternoon of Tuesday Newman/Haas/Lanigan presented the 2008 lineup. And alongside the confirmed Graham Rahal, here is the one who must take Bourdais's place, with attached honors and duties: and it could only be the two-time vice -champ Justin Wilson!

Here are some of the important passages from Justin during the tele-conference organized by the team: “Of course, I am very happy to be at Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing. It's the team I competed against in Champ Car and they showed year after year that they are very strong and very motivated, in a team full of exceptional people; I'm really happy and proud to have been chosen to replace Sebastien… it's fantastic. When they announced at the beginning of the conference that I was the official driver, I sat here (in front of the conference cameras, ed.) with a big smile on my face. It's nice to finally feel part of Newman/Haas/Lanigan.”

Wilson also recalls that it was in Newman/Haas in 2002 that he carried out his first test on what would become, a few years later, his new series: “It was October 8, 2002 and it was my first test. I was considering whether to join Champ Car (even though in 2003 the series was still CART, ed.) and I had two options in this sense. I spoke with Newman/Haas and then I had to decide whether to go there or to Formula 1. We did a test on the Homestead oval: my first approach to ovals was with the Champ Car. The speed was something I had to get used to anyway. However, it was a great experience. After that, however, I returned to Europe and decided to sign for Minardi. Having dinner from the United Kingdom, the comparison with F1 would have been too much, but I don't know if it was a good thing because then Sebastien was hired instead of me and became four-time champion, while I always finished second behind him!”

When asked by journalists what the objectives are for next season, Wilson responds very sincerely: “Who knows. My goal is to get out of here and win the championship. That's what I'll try to do. Being in Sebastien's place isn't easy at all. He had managed to create an ideal environment within the team. He's a great driver and did a great job. This is why I don't expect to pick up where he left off. I know I have to get to work straight away and bond with the team and understand how to make the car go as fast as possible. It's tough, but I can't wait to start the challenge.”

Then comes the most burning question, the one about the contract with Pettit and the diatribe that followed throughout the winter break: “I was with RUSPORT, but they closed. And my contract at that point was no longer valid, also for other reasons. So I decided to look around. I took some time to resolve some parts of the contract with Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing, but that's the only reason we're starting so late. But now I'm happy that everything went well and we can think about working for 2008.”

Also an appreciation for his new teammate: “Yes, it's definitely nice to be on the team with Graham. He's still a very young rider but he's doing really well. I think he has great potential for the future and also for this year, which is why we will get along very well. He is growing little by little listening to what is said around him and it is beautiful to see; This is why I appreciate Graham's talent and maturity, compared to his young age, because I think it's the key to going fast. I look forward to working alongside Graham throughout the rest of the year. I'm sure he will be one of my biggest rivals during the season and will definitely have a great future ahead of him."

Finally, after Bourdais' predictions, Wilson's predictions on the 2008 championship could not be missing: “If Robert Doornbos returns to the championship, I think he will do great as will Will Power. I think the greatest dangers will come from the two of them. But others could do well too: it's good to see Oriol Servia having guidance throughout the season and I'm sure he will give us a hard time. He has been very fast in the last two games with PKV. Pagenaud is strong, assuming he returns, and Bruno Junqueira on Coyne has always done very well… I think it will be one of the most uncertain seasons for Champ Car for a long time!”

Lorenzo Tommasi (Photo courtesy of the Champ Car World Series)

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