One-year deal only for Vasser

The American's move, which has been confirmed at Laguna Seca, has been common knowledge for some time and Vasser hopes to work out a longer deal with team boss Bobby Rahal. But in the meantime, he is happy to have sorted out his plans for 2002.

"I welcome the change," said Vasser who only switched from Chip Ganassi Racing to his current team Patrick Racing at the start of this season. "It was a good thing for this year, because you get stuck in a rut from being somewhere too long. I'm thinking of similar things for next year."

Rahal believes the 1996 champion is underated and is delighted to have him in his team. "I've always liked Jimmy and I think he is very talented," Rahal said. "Perhaps he is not given quite the credit he should be given, because as he exhibited in Houston last year when he clearly dominated the race against [Juan Pablo] Montoya and others, he is certainly capable."

Team Rahal would like to return to America's biggest single-seater race, the Indianapolis 500 next year. But so far there is no confirmation that Vasser will be able to race at the Brickyard.

As for the team's second driver, it is anticapted that a young American will be signed to make an all-US line-up. Rahal holds an option on last year's Toyota Atlantic champion Buddy Rice, while the out of work Alex Barron is also believed to be in the frame. Current driver Kenny Brack is moving to Ganassi, while Max Papis is unlikely to be retained.