Wilson signs for RuSPORT
Former Formula 1 driver Justin Wilson will stay in the Champ Car World Series in 2005 after signing for the RuSPORT team alongside series rookie of the year AJ Allmendinger. Wilson will take the place of Michel Jourdian Jr, who has not been retained
Wilson switched codes from F1 to Champ Cars at the end of 2003, when he drove for Jaguar and Minardi, and signed to race for the under-funded Conquest team. But the British driver did enough to attract the attention of RuSPORT, run by CCWS co-owner Carl Russo, with a couple of fourth place finishes including one at the series finale in Mexico earlier this month.
"I'm obviously very excited to be joining RuSPORT," said Wilson. "The atmosphere within the team is great and there is such a high level of drive and professionalism. It's like an F1 team!
"I think it's the best place to be to win races and championships. I'm also really looking forward to having AJ as a team-mate because we see things similarly. We get on well even though every weekend we were battling head to head."
Wilson missed out on the Champ Car Rookie of the Year title to the 22-year-old Allmendinger after a season-long fight with the American who stays with RuSPORT for a second season.
"After having a strong first year, I'm even more excited to get in the car and build on what we as a team have accomplished this year," said Allmendinger. "I'm truly living my dream and I know winning pole positions and races is right around the corner. We came into this year knowing we had a lot to learn; now I'm confident we can contend for the championship."
Carl Russo saw both his drivers mount the podium this season, but his team, which graduated to Champ Cars in 2004, has yet to score a win. "I am proud of what we accomplished in 2004 but I know that I speak for all of RuSPORT when I say we are eager get to the front," he said.
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