V8 Supercar deny Champ Car linkup

Earlier this week, Champ Car and V8 Supercar team co-owner Craig Gore suggested it would be a good idea for the two series to combine forces at events in the future, but comments from V8 Supercar chairman Cochrane seem to have put the possibility of such an idea beyond doubt.

"At no stage has either myself or anyone from the management of V8 Supercars Australia held discussions with Champ Car with a view to holding joint races in any location," Cochrane said, speaking from Paris while on other business.

"I have no idea where this story originated and we have no short or long term plans to conduct events either in Australia or overseas with Champ Car."

The V8 Supercar chairman said the current deal had worked well at Surfers Paradise, but then confirmed that the deal expired in 2008 and that no plans had been formed nor discussions taken place for the combined event to continue after next season.

"The relationship has worked well on the Gold Coast up until now and only has one year left on our current agreement.

"At this stage we have no plans and nor have we discussed the future to be involved in Indy beyond the event next October.

"I am disappointed that these type of speculative comments would come up when at no stage have I been asked for my opinion".

Cochrane made it clear the V8 Supercar series' major focus remained its home market: "V8 Supercars Australia has an outstanding success record with events both in Australia and internationally and our primary market remains Australia."