Junqueira confirmed for Indy

Junqueira has a strong record in the Indy 500, although like Newman/Haas he has yet to win it. In 2001 the Brazilian took the Rookie of the Year title after finishing fifth then followed that up with pole in 2002 while driving for Chip Ganassi Racing.

"This is a very special place for me," Junqueira said at Indianapolis. "I really wanted to come here again. I'm quite pleased with this.

"The Honda engine has shown it has a lot of power and reliability and Newman/Haas Racing has a good package with the G-Force chassis and Firestone tyres."

The car will carry PacifiCare sponsorship - the same logo and colours as the team's Champ Car - and will be directed by open-wheel and Indy veteran Jim McGee. Junqueira, who won five CART races in three years and finished second in the CCWS season opener last weekend at Long Beach, said Monday he would like to find a resolution to the split.

"I think they can co-exist, but I think it would be better for all of us if they came together," Junqueira said. "It would make one very strong series. That's just my opinion. I don't know if that's going to happen, but that's my hope."

The Indy effort will keep Junqueira on his toes through May. CCWS races May 23 at Monterrey, Mexico, one week before the 500 is held May 30. Practice for the 500 begins May 9 and runs for six consecutive days before pole qualifying May 15. One week after the 500, the Champ Cars race at Milwaukee.

"It's going to be quite busy," Junqueira said. "I'm testing here tomorrow and Wednesday, then next week we're testing the Champ Car in Milwaukee, then we come here for the first week of qualifying, then we go to Mexico to race, then come back to race here, then we test at Elkhart Lake and race in Milwaukee. I think for the next six weeks I'll be full-throttle, but that's what I love to do with my life."