CART Rio 200 Preview

Defending Rio champion Juan Montoya is yet to win a race this year in the new Lola-Toyota package. In fact, the Columbian has scored just one point - for securing pole position for the as-yet-unraced Nazareth event.

"Last year, I only had three points after the first two races of the season. I have one point now, so I'm really not that far behind last year's pace," suggests Montoya

The change of package from Reynard-Honda to Lola Toyota shouldn't compromise Montoya's race - with Jimmy Vasser's second in qualifying at Long Beach, a Toyota-powered car has qualified on the front row in each of the past four races. Three different drivers, namely Scott Pruett, Juan Montoya and Jimmy Vasser, have accomplished this.

"The first Toyota victory is right around the corner," insists Target driver Vasser.

"One important thing I learned in my rookie year is that it's a long season, so you can't panic and you can't get overconfident," says Montoya. "It's disappointing that we haven't been able to finish a race, but the car has also been unbelievably good at times, so I know we'll be fine."

The reigning CART champion won last year's Brazilian event off the back of two wins and a consequent lead in the drivers' stakes. This year, however, Montoya has only the memories to boost his confidence.

"Rio was one of my favourite races in 1999," he admits. "It was my second straight oval win, so that's when I really started to believe in my ability and realise how talented Team Target was. I still can't believe that. Rio is a great place to race. The fans really get into it, so I'm anxious to race there again. I'm confident we'll run well in Rio."

On the question of the fans' enthusiasm, Michael Andretti is in total agreement. "Brazilian fans are unbelievable. They are great fans," he enthuses.

"Obviously, they have a good reason to be because they have a lot of great drivers. They are very emotional fans in general. They know everything about racing and it's great to race there because you feel their support and all the energy"

Dario Franchitti, second in last year's Rio race is confident of being able to turn his season around at the oval.

"Team KOOL Green has always given me a good car at Rio and I certainly enjoy driving the circuit," insists the Scot.

"It's fairly basic, but it's got some fun corners and a couple of decent passing opportunities. We'll be looking for every advantage that we can find to start up front because it's usually tight quarters once the race starts. It's a great show for the Brazilian fans, who without question are some of the most knowledgeable fans in the world."

No clear pecking order has yet been established in the series, with a different driver taking pole for each of the three qualifying sessions held, and a different winner in the two races.

Paul Tracy currently leads the championship after winning at Long Beach, but Max Papis won at Miami, and Tony Kannan, Juan Montoya and Gil de Ferran have been on the pole - expect the season to begin to unfold at Rio.