Fernandez set for Road America return.

Adrian Fernandez, who has been undergoing intensive physical therapy for injuries received in a multi-car crash at Vancouver, just over two weeks ago, will attempt to return to action at Road America this weekend.

Fernandez has missed one race since the incident, and was replaced by Max Papis at Mid-Ohio. However the popular Italian driver will still be present at the sweeping four-mile road course on standby in case Fernandez feels he cannot drive.

"Our plan is to go to Elkhart Lake with one car prepared for Adrian and one for Max," said Tom Anderson, Fernandez Racing co-owner and managing director. "We will put Adrian in the car for the first practice session on Friday and see how he fares. If he is unable to drive then Max will take over again this weekend."

"I am really looking forward to returning, but more than that I am looking forward to feeling good again," said the veteran Mexican. "Sometimes, and this has happened to me before, you feel better in the race car than you do out of the car. I think I will be able to drive better than I can walk right now. I just hope there is no pain, or minimum pain. These all are unknowns until I jump in the car, but I am excited to go back.

"With my therapy, there are a lot of things that I am doing better but I still cannot put more than 50 percent of my weight on my left side and I am still very stiff. I still use crutches to get around. The swelling has gone down dramatically and the bruises are starting to disappear, but there is still some fluid there. I also found out that my left lower rib was bruised. Compared to where I was, however, I am much better. I can see the progress.

"Road America is one of my favourite tracks and I know it well. It is a very smooth track, which is good, and it's not as physical as Mid-Ohio. I will take it step by step. Max and the guys did a great job [at Mid-Ohio] in terms of trying to find more speed in the car and hopefully we can start at the next level this weekend. I'm excited and hope that excitement to get back in the race car gives me the adrenalin to be able to feel no pain this weekend."

Shinji Nakano hopes to continue his streak of points-paying finishes at Road America. Nakano has finished in the points the past six races, claiming four top-10 results including two top-five drives. He finished ninth at Mid-Ohio last weekend after starting 17th and is currently 14th in the points standings.

"Road America is one of the best tracks in the United States," who feels the circuit compares to the best Formula One has to offer. "It is a long circuit with slow, medium and fast corners; it has a bit of everything. It is very challenging and fast. I really like the track. It reminds me of the Suzuka circuit in Japan.

"I didn't have a good race here the past two years, but I am confident for this weekend. Our car is getting better on the road courses, and we had a good test here. I think we can show a better performance on this road course, and I am looking forward to it."

Fernandez will join fellow Mexican drivers Michel Jourdain Jr. and Mario Dominguez for a press conference with Hector Rebaque, the first Mexican and first non-American driver to win a Champ Car race, at 12:30 pm on Saturday. Rebaque's landmark win came at Road America 20 years ago while driving a March 82C Cosworth for Forsythe Racing. Rebaque will serve as Grand Marshall for Sunday's Champ Car race.

"Hector is one of our heroes," said Fernandez. "As a kid, I remember Hector from when he used to race Formula One. When I decided to go to Europe to further my career, he was one of the guys that I went to see. He was very helpful and gave me letters of recommendation. He was always willing to help me."