Servia returns for Surfers with PKV

The Spaniard had controversially lost his Forsythe drive to David Martinez after Assen so that the series could fulfil its contractual obligation to have two Mexicans in the field for the season finale in Mexico City.

The deal marks a return to PKV for Servia, who drove for the team throughout 2006.

"I am very excited to have the opportunity to continue my fight for a place among the leaders in the championship standings," Servia said.

"I want to thank (team bosses) Mr. (Kevin) Kalkhoven, Jimmy Vasser and Mark Johnson for giving me this opportunity. The good thing is that I know a lot of the PKV Racing crew members and I will be working with my engineer from last year, Yves Touron, so we are already very familiar with each other.

"I have been fighting for wins on the street circuits all year and I am sure it won't be any different in Surfers. Hopefully, I can get the win there for the team and myself."

Servia began the year on the sidelines after losing his PKV drive, but substituted for Paul Tracy at Forsythe when the former champion injured his back in practice at Long Beach.

Having out-performed teammate Mario Dominguez during his Forsythe stint, Servia was then retained by the team in place of the Mexican when Tracy returned, and has since moved up to sixth in the championship standings.

PKV general manager Mark Johnson said he expected Gommendy to return for Mexico City.

"Unfortunately, Tristan had an unresolved business situation that will prevent him from competing this weekend in Australia," Johnson said.

"He is continuing to try and resolve the situation and we have high hopes that he will return to the team for the Mexico City race.

"Fortunately for us, Oriol was available this weekend and given his proven talent, familiarity with the team, in particular the fact that he will be working with the same engineer he had last year, and strong record recently at Surfers Paradise, we feel bringing him on board will give PKV Racing the best opportunity to have a successful weekend.

"We are also pleased because this provides Oriol, one of the top drivers in the Champ Car series, an opportunity to continue to battle for a top three spot in the championship standings."