Pook: CART intends to visit Europe in '03

Rockingham bosses took the decision not to host a CART event in 2003 after deciding that their current contract was economically unviable. CART has been linked with running three races in Europe next season, to be held at Brands Hatch, Spa and Estoril. Octagon, which owns Brands Hatch, has denied that it has made any deal to hold a Champ Car race.

Pook has left the door open for Rockingham to return to the CART schedule in future, saying: "We would like to thank Rockingham and its promoters for helping to stage two very memorable races over the last two seasons and we will continue to talk about future events at the facility."

Despite the loss of Rockingham, Pook was adamant that CART would race in Europe next year. "We are currently looking at some very exciting European venues for the Champ Cars in 2003," Pook added. "In fact, I will be in Europe this weekend for some business meetings and I plan to have some serious discussions on prospective circuits for next season.

"As we've seen over the last two years, European fans have been very receptive to our racing and we certainly intend for the European market to be well represented on the 2003 Champ Car series schedule when all is said and done."