After making two-Champ Car starts with Rocketsports Racing this season, Antonio Pizzonia returns to the cockpit of the #18 Rocketsports Ford-Cosworth/Lola/Bridgestone to team up with previous Australia-race winner Mario Dominguez creating a dynamic pairing for the team at the Surfers Paradise venue.

Pizzonia, who made his Champ Car debut with the team on the streets of Long Beach, California, takes from that experience of racing on a street course to Surfers Paradise with the hopes of producing his best finish in a Champ Car. Currently, after two events, the Brazilian’s best start was 11th in Long Beach where he also earned his best finish of tenth. Pizzonia, who was familiar with the track in Montreal from his days competing in Formula One, started 13th and despite a radio failure that lead to various issues throughout the race he finished 11th. Pizzonia also earned a point for leading two laps during the Montreal event.

“I am obviously excited to get back into the #18 Rocketsports car,” said Pizzonia. “It was a shame what happened in Montreal with the radio failure. That made for a very tough race for me without communication to and from the team, but we did our best. I look forward to getting another opportunity in a Champ Car with Rocketsports Racing. I would like to thank Paul Gentilozzi for believing in me and giving me another chance to drive one of his racecars in Australia. I had a blast driving on a street course circuit in Long Beach, and I hear the Surfers Paradise circuit is just as exciting and challenging. In Montreal I was paired up with engineer John Gentilozzi, whom I will be working with again in Australia, and I think we did a good job together so I am anticipating even better results this race.”

Not only is Pizzonia excited to return to the team, but so is the rest of the Rocketsports squad as they enjoy working with the talented driver, both on and off the track.

“We look forward to having Antonio back for another race,” said Rocketsports Team Owner Paul Gentilozzi. “He has shown great potential every time he has put foot into one of our Champ Cars, so it is my pleasure to run him when the opportunity presents itself. I hope that he can have a good weekend, because when everything goes right, I can see him finishing in the top-five with ease because his talent level is definitely there.”

This will be the first run for the 26-year-old driver on the 2.795-mile temporary street course in Australia.

[Rocketsports]

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