Perera to test for Forsythe/Pettit

The Frenchman, who finished second in the Champ Car Atlantic Championship this year, will do systems checks at road course MSR Houston, as contracted driver Paul Tracy has used up all his testing miles.

However, Forsythe/Pettit Racing - recently renamed in recognition of ex-RuSPORT owner Dan Pettit taking a minority stake - is known to be considering Perera as a possible team-mate to Tracy in 2008.

Neil Micklewright, Forsythe/Pettit's VPO said: "We are happy to give Franck the opportunity to drive the Champ Car. It gives us a chance to evaluate him and at the same time help the team with some testing items."

Charles Barrett, Perera's manager added: "Since the Atlantic season ended, Franck has been approached by teams in several series about next season, including the IRL and GP2. But Franck hasn't hidden the fact all season that he would prefer a Champ Car ride."

Although it is currently unknown whether the squad will run a two- or three-car outfit in 2008, Perera has a 'holding deal' with them, whereby should he not land a ride in the Champ Car team, he will partner David Garza in Forsythe's Atlantic squad.

Other possibilities for a Forsythe/Pettit seat are understood to be Team Australia ace Simon Pagenaud, and Raphael Matos, the man who beat Perera to the 2007 Atlantic crown.