Team Australia, Minardi back calendar

The series held two European races this year, at Zolder and Assen, which remain on the schedule, and Team Australia and Minardi Team USA have praised the schedule.

"It's a very interesting schedule," said Team Australia co-owner Derrick Walker. "Nearly 50 per cent of our races are in the US, and the other half are outside the US.

"When we look at today's world, and our fan base, I think that's a good split."

Minardi co-owner Keith Wiggins was particularly pleased to see that the series has confirmed its calendar several months before the start of the 2008 season.

"It is a big positive that the series has been able to get a firm calendar put together before the season finale next weekend," said Wiggins.

"I think we're all happy now to have a schedule with which we can work and take to our sponsors and partners for next year."

Champ Car CEO and President Steve Johnson explained that the series bosses are keen to keep things stable while trying to expand at the same time.

"We have succeeded in improving our schedule for next season," he said. "We will stabilise in North America, begin a steady growth plan for Europe, and provide a balance of temporary and permanent circuits."