Warm-up: No clues to be found here

The Mexican, who starts in 16th place, edged out Penske's Helio Castroneves under clear sunny skies in Surfers Paradise, Australia. But the warm up offered few clues as to the race form of championship protagonists, with leader Gil de Ferran 18th, and closest points challenger Kenny Brack ninth.

Title outsider Castroneves, who needs to win both remaining races with de Ferran not scoring, was best of the big three but starts the race in 11th. Brack has to finish in the top nine in today's race to keep his title hopes alive, while a top two finish for de Ferran, or a position ahead of Brack, will ensure he retains his title.

Mauricio Gugelmin seems set to take the start, despite chipping a bone in his right hand in a qualifying crash.

Alex Barron will also take the green in a hastily put together Lola made out of parts from a 2000 and 2001 car after wiping out his race car yesterday.