Sebastien Bourdais
Sebastien Bourdais says fans who are used to seeing him atop the podium the past four years are in for a bit of an adjustment in 2008.
The Frenchman, who won a record four consecutive Champ Car titles, is cautioning against unrealistic expectations when he makes his debut with Toro Rosso next month in Australia.
"The expectations of the press and the public might be a bit over the top and that’s why I want to explain in every interview I do that I am not in a championship winning car like I was last year in Champ Car," said Bourdais.
"We have a very, very little chance of winning even one race. If we make one podium it would be extraordinary. Our goal is to try and score points as many times as we can which would already be a very successful season."
"I want to perform well and prove that not only I am ‘worth the trip’ but also that the Champ Car ranks are full of great talent."
Bourdais says he expects Justin Wilson to succeed him in Champ Car in 2008. The Englishman, who has finished runner-up in the championship the last two seasons, was recently confirmed as Bourdais’ replacement at Newman/Haas/Lanigan.
"I think the logical choice to win the Championship this year is Justin," said Bourdais.
I think Will (Power) is quite an obvious choice also. He was very strong all season last year and if not for a few problems he would have probably been our main competition. You can’t count out Robert (Doornbos) and Graham (Rahal), he did quite well especially at the end of the season. Not to forget Oriol (Servia). In the PKV car he can do really, really well. We also have to see where Bruno (Junqueira) ends up. I think he might be the surprise of 2008."
About the only name Bourdais did not mention is that of Paul Tracy, whom he had several high profile run-ins during his time in Champ Car.