Clarke hoping for Minardi seat

The Briton raced for the team in their previous guise as CTE-Racing HVM during 2006, and he is hoping to build on his Champ Car rookie season by staying with the team for a second year.

"I haven't got a drive yet, but now that the team have secured their future, we can resume talks with (team boss) Keith Wiggins," Clarke told autosport.com.

Wiggins will remain involved with the team along with Paul Stoddart, who confirmed his controlling interest in the team on Monday.

No drivers have been confirmed for the team yet, although it is possible that Clarke and Nelson Philippe could remain with the team, with one more driver boosting the line-up.

Stoddart himself confirmed they will run three cars in 2007.

Clarke added: "At the end of the season, Keith said that he would like to keep me, but we've had to give him some space in the past month. Now we can get back on the phone."

Clarke welcomed the news of Stoddart's involvement, as it ensures the future of one of the most improved teams on the grid.

"Keith knows how to run a team, he just doesn't have the money behind him to pump into it," he said.

"I don't know the details, but Paul wanted to get involved in Champ Car, so it's a pretty good deal all round."