JANUARY 30, 2008

Justin Wilson joins Newman Haas Lanigan Racing

Former F1 driver Justin Wilson has become the favourite to win the 2008 Champ Car World Series by signing a contract to race for Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing, the team that has taken Sebastien Bourdais to titles for the last four seasons. Wilson (29) will team up with 19-year-old Graham Rahal, who will go into his second season with the team.

"For the entire time I have been competing in Champ Car, they have been the strongest team," Wilson said. "Sebastien has left pretty big shoes to fill, but I have big feet! I am hoping to learn my environment quickly and let the results take care of themselves."

Wilson has raced in Champ Car full time since 2004 after being dropped by the Jaguar Racing F1 team. He finished third in the series in 2005 and was runner-up to Bourdais in 2006 and 2007.