Franchitti upbeat for new season

Franchitti only won a single race for Team Green and title sponsor Kool cigarettes this year. His team-mate Paul Tracy failed to score a victory, while American Michael Andretti, who drives the team's Motorola-backed car, only took one win as well.

"I'm quite happy to be getting on to the business of the 2002 season," said Franchitti in the wake of the announcement that Green and Kool will not be switching to the rival Indy Racing League, as had been feared. "Team Kool Green has all the ingredients for a championship team, and the work we do in pre-season testing can really make a difference between finishing first and finishing fifth."

Team boss Barry Green emphasised that the outfit is working flat-out to make sure its Reynard-Hondas will be on the pace from the first round in March. "With the elimination of in-season testing, pre-season preparations assume critical importance," he said. "Every day between now and the start of the season is vital, and really emphasises the value of our technical partnership between Team Kool Green and Team Motorola."

Tracy added that he is keen to forget about 2001. "Last season was difficult for everyone," he said. "But it's last season, and I've never been one to look back and say 'what if'."