Doornbos may not be on Minardi team

Robert Doornbos

Robert Doornbos is sending some pretty strong signals in the Dutch media that he may not return to Champ Car in 2008 with Minardi. Apparently the main issue involves money between his backers and the Minardi USA team. His side feels the team needs to do more to get sponsorship dollars. He was also in the running for the second NHLR seat that went to Justin Wilson and the open Forsythe Pettit Racing seat that looks set to go to Franck Montagny.

He has delivered Minardi Team USA an ultimatum. He wants the team to increase their budget by 20% (compared to last year's budget) to $12 million, so they can invest more in testing together. He's very surprised the team hasn't been able to find and/or attract a title sponsor for this season after his 3rd place in the championship last year and the Rookie title! The ball is in their court …

Robert says he was in the running for the second NHL Racing seat for quite some time but it's now taken by Justin Wilson. If Minardi Team USA can't raise the necessary budget Doornbos requires, he has got alternative options in Champ Car for this year. Both Forsythe Pettit Racing (in a third car/entry) and PKV have shown interest in his services. "Jimmy Vasser, co-owner at PKV Racing, expressed his interest and asked me at the Daytona 24 hour race if I was on the market, which I confirmed" Robert says and he continues: "There is no doubt in my mind I will be driving in Champ Car this year! I will definitely be in a car by the next test at Laguna Seca (March 12 – 14)", Doornbos claims.

"Steve Johnson, CCWS President and CEO told me he wants me, PT, Graham Rahal and Justin Wilson to come back to Champ Car this year, as Champ Car can't afford to lose their front-runners!"