Champ Car form guide: Twenty-one of the best

- The reigning champ has suffered the worst possible pre-season with his two big crashes. Just like Dario Franchitti last season, expect him to struggle in the opening races but fly when the season gets into full swing.

- If he was a curry, Helio would be vindaloo! If he can carry over his hot testing form into the races, expect him to set the pace from the outset.

- Won his first CART race for PPI Motorsport last year and has made an intelligent move over to Newman/Haas. A long shot for the title, but more likely to notch up a few more race wins.

- Doubled his Champ Car victory tally by winning last year's finale at Fontana. Made that look easy, so why does he never look like doing it on a regular basis? Needs to match consistency with his pace.

- One of these days, CART's bad boy is going to blossom into its golden son. The signs are there to show the Canadian is maturing, but can he keep his wayward habits in check to win the title?

- His best chance yet to scoop the CART crown. All he has to do is put in practice all the things he's learnt and the speed he's shown. Sounds easy, doesn't it?

- Took the plunge and switched from Newman/Haas to third seat at Team Green under the Motorola banner. Hasn't won the series for a decade, so it's about time he did.

- Has to learn fast about American racing, but there's little doubting his pace or commitment to the task in hand. And racing for arguably CART's best team won't hurt, either.

- Ditto, with a French accent.

- His favourite dance must be the 'slow, slow, quick, quick, slow'. Glorious one day, ordinary the next. Will the real Patrick Carpentier please stand up?

- Another to suffer with inconsistency, but should settle with Paul Tracy's old engineer, Tony Cicale, looking after him.

- The jury is out on whether setting up his own team is the right way to win the title, especially as he came so close last year with Patrick. Seems to be getting quicker with age.

- Inaugural CART season suffered last year after a big crash at Milwaukee, but don't expect him to trouble pacesetters too often, if at all.

- Won his first CART race in 2000 and needs to carry that confidence over into the new season. The Lola-Ford just could be the magic formula he requires to challenge for the title.

- A class act. Fourth overall in his rookie season, the Swede has the mark of a future champion written all over him. Question is, will it be this year?

- The prodigal son returns. Formula 1 doesn't want him, but its loss is CART's gain. Whether he can regain his form of 1997/98 will be fascinating to watch.

- Looked good on occasions last year with a Mercedes engine, which was no mean feat. Has fully recovered from his limb-breaking crash at Detroit last year too, so could be a dark horse for a race win.

- As with Kanaan, Merc engines didn't help his cause last year and the Toyota will certainly be more potent. Needs a good season to turn his flagging career around.

- Indy Lights champ has a reputation for being ultra-aggressive, which should be fun to watch. Another contender for Rookie of the Year.

- Like a fine wine, he's got better with age. Unfortunately, he seemed to pop his cork halfway through the season. CART's 'supersub' now needs to carve a new reputation.

- Kicked out of Ganassi Racing to make way for its 'Super Rookies', Vasser has found a home which loves him at Patrick. The '96 champ is mega on the faster circuits, and could certainly pinch a win or two.