Vasser backs Ganassi for 2000

The team won the latest of its championships in 1999, when Juan Montoya steered his Honda-powered Reynard to title glory.

This year the team will be using Lola-Toyota racecars, but Vasser is confident the team will continue to achieve ran winning performances.

"Somehow, he just seems to know when to make changes and which ones to make," said Vasser.

Toyota has been developing its CART engine for a few years, but has yet to win a single race.

Ganassi is confident that will change in 2000.

"You have to look at the big picture," he said.

"I'm not saying we couldn't have kept winning races and championships with Honda.

"It's just that I saw how hungry Toyota is, the resources they're putting into this."

Champion Juan Montoya is also optimistic that Ganassi's gamble will pay-off.

The Colombian said: "I knew Toyota had not won.

"But I also know that Chip Ganassi has won four straight championships.

"I decided I had to put my faith in Chip. I'm going to drive hard no matter what motor is in the car."