Grapevine: Yoong Still Hoping to Land CART Seat

Malaysian Alex Yoong is yet to sign a deal to take him into the United States-based Champ Car series - after his home sponsors admitted they are more interested in Formula One.

Yoong, who failed to shine in his season with Minardi, had hoped to secure a deal with a front-running Champ Car team for this season but admitted the budget of $5 to $7 million could be too much to ask.

"We are presently working very hard on getting the budget and I am still hopeful of getting to the starting grid for the first race," said Yoong. "The present delay may turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

"I won't lose any sleep over it. I prefer to be driving without needing to bring a big budget to the team. If it doesn't happen, there will be opportunities later and maybe elsewhere."

Yoong will travel to Florida on February 1st to attend Champ Car's "Spring Training" in a bid to secure a deal before the season-opening race in St Petersberg on February 23.

He revealed he now needs $2.5 million from his sponsors as the team he is close to joining have already raised $3.5 million from American sponsors.

But he is still determined to return to Formula One in the future and added: "My objective is still to get back into Formula One by 2004, when China organises its first Grand Prix. But if there is a year's delay, it's OK."