Grapevine: Zanardi Ready for CART Comeback

Alex Zanardi begins his CART comeback in Mexico this weekend, gunning for a third title to wipe out memories of Formula One failure.

The 1997 and 1998 champion returns after a one-year break from motor racing following his disappointing F1 season - he failed to score a single point - with Williams in 1999.

The colourful Italian, known for his post-victory celebration "doughnuts", rejoins his old engineer Mo Nunn, former owner of the Ensign Formula One team, at Mo Nunn Racing.

Many people wonder about the Italian's motivation in returning to racing, particularly as he said in 1999 before his break with Williams was confirmed that returning to CART would be "like running back to Mamma".

But "Mamma" is pleased to have him back and Zanardi says he means business.

"I'm pumped. I'm going to Mexico thinking we can do well despite the fact we are a very young organisation," Zanardi said. "I'm not thinking I'm not going to win the race."

Two rookies from the Formula One fringes will be making their CART debuts at the 2.1-mile Fundidora Park circuit in Monterrey, Mexico this weekend.

Ganassi Racing has taken a calculated gamble on Brazil's Bruno Junqueira, last year's Williams test driver and FIA Formula 3000 champion, and Nicolas Minassian of France who was runner-up behind him in F3000.

Look Worldwide

"You don't want someone who is good, you want someone who is great," said Ganassi, explaining why he had recruited from Europe. "I believe you have to look worldwide for talent if you want to win races."

Three times CART champion and former series interim president Bobby Rahal has gone in the other direction, taking over the reigns at the Jaguar Formula One team.

But his team is back with Rookie of the Year, Kenny Brack of Sweden, and Italian Max Papis in Ford Lolas.

The series looks wide open, although Brazilian Gil de Ferran is considered a favourite to retain his crown.

But he was a close winner last season when the title came down to a five-way contest at the season-closing race at Fontana, California last November.

With two victories and five poles, he ended team owner Roger Penske's three-year championship drought, garnering the team's 100th win and their eighth CART title.

Fellow Brazilian and team mate Helio Castroneves won three races last year, matching Canadian Paul Tracy for most victories, and will also be a constant threat.

De Ferran suffered some minor injuries as the result of two accidents in the pre-season.

CART veteran Michael Andretti has left the Newman/Haas team to join a new organisation owned by Barry Green, called Team Motorola.

Technical Partner

He became a "technical partner" with Dario Franchitti of Britain, and Tracy, also in Reynard Hondas.

Franchitti, who tied on points but lost out on wins in the 1999 championship to Juan Pablo Montoya, knows it could be a make-or-break season if he is to follow the Colombian into Formula One.

Rahal said at last weekend's Australian Grand Prix that he rated Franchitti very highly.

"He is still young enough but if he is going to come here with any team, it has to be this year," he said.

Several drivers switched teams in the close-season and Mercedes-Benz, who provided engines, has left the series to concentrate on its Formula One effort. This has permitted Ford, Honda and Toyota to increase their involvement.

Two teams left Ford to join Toyota.

Newman/Haas Racing is all-Brazilian with Christian Fittipaldi and Cristiano da Matta. Pat Patrick Racing has American Jimmy Vasser, the 1996 champion, joining Roberto Moreno last year's third-place finisher.

Last year's runner-up Adrian Fernandez will debut the new Honda Reynard team in his home country.

The Mexican said: "there is a lot of pressure because we are a new team and it's the first race of the season and it's in Mexico."

This year, the North American-based 21-race series, will also appear on two ovals overseas - the Euromotorspeedway in Lausitz, Germany, on September 15, and Rockingham, England, on September 22.

New rules include Saturday qualifying only, as in Formula One, and reduction of horsepower.