Enge confirmed at Patrick

This weekend's race at Fontana will be F3000 stalwart Enge's first on an oval, but he has tested twice for Patrick and now looks set to become part of the team's long-term plans.

"I don't know what to expect from these races because it's obviously completely different," said Enge. "They are different kinds of races and you also have to think differently. I'm looking forward to it, but I'm a little bit anxious. Hopefully, we will have fun, good results and we can move on together."

Team owner Pat Patrick is also looking to the future. "The intent of doing these two races is to get a head start on next year," he said.

The team started its 2004 programme at the Indy 500, running Al Unser Jr, but the veteran announced his retirement after three races. Jeff Simmons drove the car once at Kansas, before Lazier took over. The signs are that Patrick now wants to run a two-car squad in 2005 for Enge and Lazier.

"The team really enjoyed working with Jaques and he did a very good job for us," said Patrick Racing technical director Steve Newey. "We would like to continue to work with Jaques on possibly putting together a program next year. We think that much of him. He helped us come together as a team."