Wilson expecting a tough time

Wilson finished runner-up to Sebastien Bourdais in the last two seasons of Champ Car and was set to start 2008 as the title favourite until the series merged with the IRL.

But he knows it will be difficult to win races straight away against the IndyCar teams and drivers who are used to running on ovals.

"The first few races will be very difficult," he admitted. "We've got a long road ahead of us trying to work everything out, but the guys are working hard.

"It's hard to know what kind of goal to have. My personal aim is just to do the best we can, whether that's trying to get a podium or pick up race wins.

"We can only judge the competition when we get there, but we have to be realistic. I don't want to overestimate and I don't want to underestimate."

Wilson's teammate Graham Rahal is also wary of the new challenge, but believes the merger is the best thing for the sport and the fans.

"I'm just trying to focus on the task at hand but obviously for the fans it's exciting to have Foyts, Andrettis and Rahals racing each other again.

"But do I expect to run with them initially? No. I'd love to be able to say 'yes, I can go out there and do that' but my lack of experience on ovals is going to be tough."