Junqueira Won't Return this Season

The Brazilian was in surgery for four hours after fracturing two vertebra in a crash in May's Indy 500 and has now been cleared to drive again by doctors, prompting speculation that Newman-Haas could run a third car for the final events.

However the team have opted to go to this weekend's Surfers Paradise round and the finale at Mexico City with just two cars for Sebastien Bourdais and Junqueira's replacement, Oriol Servia.

"With five months gone since my accident I have started doing everything I used to be able to do except drive my Champ Car again," Junqueira told his official website. "I am anxious for this, but Newman/Haas and I have decided to wait until next season for my racing return."

He will complete at least two days of testing with the team before the end of 2005, and will be present in Mexico to celebrate the team's expected title success with Sebastien Bourdais.

"We could again win the championship and the runner-ups spot, and I will be in Mexico for to celebrate the team's success this season," he added.