Rahal feels win on debut is possible

The 18-year-old has tested extensively with Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing over the winter, and he has been competitive in the recent group tests with the new Panoz DP01 chassis.

Rahal believes that he has the package to win with the team who have won the title for the past three years with Sebastien Bourdais, and he is expecting to be right at the front from his first race.

"To be honest, I don't see why we can't be top five, possibly top three, or maybe even win," he said. "After all, I'm with the best team and that's what I'm here to do."

Rahal has echoed the thoughts of several drivers ahead of the street race this weekend, saying that the key to a good result will be to play safe during the race.

"One of the keys to being at the front on Sunday is playing it smart," he said.

"The car is very physical, and I expect the track could be fairly bumpy, and probably tight in places, so keeping it clean and giving yourself plenty of room will be important."

Rahal admitted that he feels he still has a lot to learn, but Bourdais believes that the teenager is ready to be competitive.

"He is very well prepared," said the reigning champion. "He's done a lot of tests starting the middle of last year, and he's definitely ready.

"In the rookie field, he's probably going to be the one that looks really strong because of the good preparation he's got and the talent he has."

Nigel Mansell was the last driver to win on his series debut, which was also with Newman/Haas at Surfers Paradise in 1993.