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San Jose: Team Australia preview

TEAM AUSTRALIA WANTS ANOTHER TASTE OF CHAMPAGNE IN SAN JOSE Team Australia's Champ Car Atlantic team speeds into San Jose in California this weekend on a high note after that elusive first win finally came for Simon Pagenaud last weekend at the ...

Published: Jul 27, 2006, 6:08 PM

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TEAM AUSTRALIA WANTS ANOTHER TASTE OF CHAMPAGNE IN SAN JOSE

Team Australia's Champ Car Atlantic team speeds into San Jose in California this weekend on a high note after that elusive first win finally came for Simon Pagenaud last weekend at the West Edmonton Mall Grand Prix Presented by the Brick.

Not only did the French rookie earn the win but he clocked the fastest lap of the race and set a new track record at the JAGflo Speedway in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

This was a much deserved first win for the 22-year-old rookie as well as for his team. His win would not have been possible if not for the help of his sponsors Location U, Hyper U, Super U, Conseil General de la Vienne, Circuit Du Val De Vienne and Canadians Wayne Deans of Vancouver and Steve Caudwell of Toronto. These two gentlemen have helped in creating the structure of the Team Australia Atlantic program and must not go unnoticed. With their efforts along with co-owners Derrick Walker and Craig Gore, and the entire team, that first taste of champagne was the most satisfying.

Rejuvenated, relaxed and on cloud nine, Pagenaud flew to California earlier this week with his family. Taking the time to relax and soak in his win, the young rookie has spent two days enjoying the sights of San Francisco in preparation for this weekend's ninth round of the Champ Car Atlantic Championship.

Improving each week is Pagenaud's team-mate Australian rookie James Davison. The young Australian gave his all at the fast and physical Edmonton layout, finishing 13th. Davison now looks forward to San Jose, where the circuit should be more to his liking and a top 10 result is the goal.

WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY --

Simon Pagenaud -- #15 Team Australia/Aussie Vineyards/Location U Swift

"The team is in a very good mood going into San Jose," said Pagenaud.

"We know we are in dynamic circuit, and think we are headed in a good way. We found the car that I want so everything. I don't know the San Jose track and I haven't heard good things about the conditions, but I don't care. I just want to put the car on the track and do my best. I look forward going straight into another race weekend. I will have two days off in San Francisco, which will help me to relax and prepare."

James Davison -- #5 Team Australia/Aussie Vineyards Swift

"I think San Jose will be a good circuit to go to," said Davison.

"It will be a bumpy track, but whatever condition it is you have to deal with it. San Jose is not so physical of a circuit, so that will play into my hands, because I can position the car where I want to.

"In Edmonton I moved forward, but I look forward to going straight into another race weekend and build on that improvement. I've gotten to the top of the fitness barrier and it will be much easier this weekend."

Derrick Walker -- Team Australia Co-Owner

"We're looking forward to coming back to San Jose," said Walker.

"It's a great venue and the promoters did a fantastic job of putting on a great show last year. San Jose was a challenging circuit for us last year as there were some problems with the roughness of the track. Changes have been made to the course, which is good so that we can get a good street course setup.

"In the past our street course set-up has been our strongest. San Jose will be a good race and fit all our drivers well."

Craig Gore -- Team Australia Co-Owner

"San Jose is right in the middle of one of the US's major wine regions and it would be great for Team Australia to fly the Aussie Vineyards colours successfully this weekend," said Gore.

"The track certainly offered a unique set of challenges in its first year last season, but there has been plenty of modifications since then and I think we head into this weekend with a real shot.

-team australia

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