Mexican Martinez gets Forsythe drive

 The Mexican, who has been a front-runner in the Champ Car Atlantic series for the last two years, will drive a third Forsythe car in Champ Car's finale, at Mexico City on November 10-12, partnering Paul Tracy and fellow new-boy Buddy Rice.
 
Martinez said: "I'm very happy, this is a dream come true!  Being able to make my Champ Car debut with one of the best teams in the world is incredible. And what better place to start off this new stage of my life than in Mexico where everybody has supported me so much?
 
"I want to thank Jerry Forsythe and his Team for believing in me, I know it's not going to be easy but I've been waiting for a long time for this great opportunity and I'm going to make the most of it."
 
There had been much speculation that former Champ Car race-winner Michel Jourdain would get a third Forsythe car, but Martinez's drive is seen as a reward for being Mexico's best up-and-coming driver in Champ Car's so-called 'ladder system'.

In 2005, Martinez finished fifth in Atlantics, despite missing the opening round, while this year he finished in the same position despite switching teams mid-season.
 
Martinez admits he will have to play himself in carefully on his debut.

He said: "Having Paul Tracy as a teammate will definitely be an advantage, he has a great deal of experience and I hope I can learn a lot from him and from the rest of the Team, the most important thing is to grow lap by lap so that by the end of the race we can be competing up front."
 
Forsythe's VPO Neil Micklewright stated: "David has been a model of consistency in the Champ Car Atlantic Championship; he completed every lap of the season and finished fifth in a very competitive field. 

"It will be a steep learning curve but he has shown great potential and we will help him get up to speed right away so he can put on a good show for everybody in Mexico."
 
Team owner Jerry Forsythe added: "Mexico has played a big role in the success of Champ Car and of our Team and I'm delighted to be able to give a young up and coming Mexican star an opportunity to race in front of his home crowd. 

"It just goes to show the strength of and effectiveness of the Champ Car Ladder System."