Monterrey gears up for debut race

The 2.1-mile, 12-corner track is located at Fundidora Park, on the site of the first iron and steel factory in Latin America, which is located just four minutes from downtown Monterrey. The event has been created, along with the local government, by team owners Pat Patrick and Jerry Forsythe.

"For me, the Monterrey Grand Prix is the realisation of a dream," said Patrick. "Our goal in creating this great facility, and race, has been to build the most beautiful road course in the world and develop a premier event for the fans in Mexico. I believe we have done that.

"The event represents the direction that CART has taken, successfully, over the last decade. We are bringing world-class racing, at world-class facilities, to the people," he added.

Mexican Champ Car racer Adrian Fernandez, who has created his own two-car team for 2001, is understandably excited in the run-up to his home event.

"There is a lot of anticipation for the race," said Fernandez. "I have not experienced anything like this before, and I think it will be a unique experience for the CART community. They have not seen anything like this."

One of Forsythe's drivers, Canadian Patrick Carpentier, believes the layout of the track will offer a big challenge for the CART field.

"From what I've been told, it's a very technical track that puts your driving skills and your whole technical package to a test," said Carpentier. "It's a fast track with some decent passing zones, especially in Turns Three and Four after you come out of the chicane."

A pre-event favourite is Team Penske's Helio Castroneves, who has been the pacesetter in a number of tests over the winter. He is also looking forward to this weekend's event.

"I've been to the city of Monterrey and it's going to be great for CART and for Mexico to have us race there," said the Brazilian. "The fans are very enthusiastic and it should be a fun event for everyone."