Q&A: Junqueira and Minassian.

Target Chip Ganassi Racing drivers Bruno Junqueira and Nicolas Minassian make their CART FedEx Series debut in Sunday's Grand Prix of Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico.

The talented, if inexperienced, rookie duo recently revealed their thoughts about the upcoming race, adjusting to life in the US and driving for the team that has won four of the last five FedEx Series championships and the 2000 Indy 500.

Q:
What's on your mind heading into the season opener in Monterrey?

Bruno Junqueira:
I really want to race well, especially for the guys who worked hard all winter during our off-season testing. Team Target has done a good job preparing the Toyota-Lola, and I'm confident we can go to Monterrey and have an opportunity to win.

Nicolas Minassian:
I am ready to get in the car right now!(laughs) Like Bruno, I am very confident going into the season opener, and I can't tell you how happy I am that the season is almost ready to begin.

Q:
What tracks are you looking forward to visiting this year?

BJ:
Elkhart Lake - no question about it. It has everything that I like in a track. Elevation changes, fast corners and plenty of places to pass. I can't wait to get there! Also, I am very excited about racing at Indianapolis. I'll never forget back in 1989, when Emerson Fittipaldi won the Indy 500. I was 12 years old, watching that race thinking, I want to race there and win, too."
Q:
Which of you is the better driver?

BJ:
[Laughs] That's me, of course.

NM:
No, Bruno, I am [laughs]. The problem with Bruno is that he drives too slow on the road. I call him Mr. Lightfoot. He never goes more than 60 miles an hour on the highway. [laughs]

Q:
Has it been difficult to adjust from being rivals last year to team-mates this year?

NM:
No, it is great. We are working very well together. We know that helping each other is only going to make us, and the team, better. We have always respected each other on and off the track, and that has made our relationship very strong.

BJ:
I agree with Nicolas. Even though we are team-mates this year, though, we are still rivals on the tennis court. And I can beat him at tennis." [laughs]