Carpentier defects to IRL
Patrick Carpentier has confirmed that he will switch from Champ Cars to the rival IRL IndyCar Series next year, according to this week's Autosport magazine
Carpentier is currently third in the Champ Car points, ahead of Forsythe Racing team-mates Paul Tracy and Rodolfo Lavin, but has not been able to reach a deal with Forsythe that would prolong his six-year relationship with the team.
Carpentier would not say which IRL team he is joining but told Autosport: "It's a really good deal financially and it's a good team. I've enjoyed my time in Champ Car, but I've got to go where I'm wanted. I just didn't have any interest from that side unless I brought money."
He is believed to be on his way to drive a third car in IRL for Team Cheever. "We have not made any decisions on drivers for 2005," insisted Team Cheever boss Eddie Cheever. "As for Carpentier, our technical partner, Mecachrome, is very high on him and we are going to give it serious consideration."
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