San Jose completes circuit changes.

The much-needed track alterations in San Jose have been completed as the city prepares for its second Champ Car World Series race later this summer.

The on-track improvements include resurfacing the street so it is flush to the curb at the rail track crossings on Almaden Boulevard and Market Street. Turn #2 (old turn #4) at the corner of Almaden Boulevard and Park Avenue has been widened. The circuit has also been widened along Park Avenue and at the corner of Market and Balbach Streets. In all, the changes will make the San Jos? Grand Prix track wider, smoother and safer with the potential for more speed and passing.

Additional changes to improve the safety of the circuit included swapping the track and pit lane on Almaden, which will make exiting the pits safer for the drivers as well as provide spectators in the Gold Grandstands with a better view of the on-track and pit action.

Also the runoff at the hairpin has been lengthened, which provides for greater safety, but also will permit the drivers to go faster up Almaden Boulevard. heading into the hairpin and creating potential passing zone.

Commenting on the track changes San Jos? Grand Prix defending champion, double defending Champ Car Champion and winner of the first four races of the 2006 season, Sebastien Bourdais said, "I think the San Jos? Grand Prix staff has done a good job of addressing the concerns the drivers expressed about the track last year. They have made a lot of significant improvements to the circuit and I believe there will be more passing here in San Jos? than on ay other street circuit in the Champ Car World Series.

"In particular, I think what they have done to the hairpin provides the best passing opportunity on the entire tour. The McDonald's Newman/Haas Racing team is looking forward to coming back to San Jos? this year and defending our title."