Series CEO disappointed to lose race

 He said: "We obviously are disappointed that the organisers of Grand Prix Arizona cancelled their event.

"While we were looking forward to closing our season with a new Champ Car race in Arizona, we're prepared to now finish instead in Mexico City as we have done the past three years.

"The 2007 Champ Car World Series season will encompass 14 events, including four new events in Las Vegas, Nevada; Mont-Tremblant, Canada; Zolder, Belgium; and Assen, Holland.

"This is two less than originally planned due not only to Phoenix's decision to cancel but also with the inability to conduct an event in China this year.

"The failure of our previous China promoter - since replaced - to materially comply with our agreement forced us to miss our May date, and we have been unable to secure an appropriate 2007 replacement date with our new promoter."

He continued: "While it's unfortunate that these situations have occurred, we're now on the eve of what we expect to be one of our most successful events of the year, and anticipate an exciting week ahead in Holland."

The cancellation of Phoenix means that Sebastien Bourdais could clinch his record-breaking fourth consecutive Champ Car title at Assen this weekend - venue of the home race of his nearest rival, Robert Doornbos.

The Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing driver lies 53 points ahead in the championship, with just three events remaining - Assen, Surfers Paradise (Australia) and Mexico City.
 
With a maximum of 34 points available at any Champ Car race, that means Bourdais needs to leave Assen with a 68-point lead over the Team Minardi USA driver in order to confirm that he will switch to Formula One as the reigning Champ Car title holder.