Philippe: I'd forgotten how fast they were!

Nelson Philippe insists that he will be a force to reckon with at next weekend's Champ Car round in Surfers Paradise, despite having only stepped back into a Panoz DP01 for the first time this week.

Not having driven the latest breed of Champ Car in over six months, the Frenchman showed his Conquest Racing team that he hadn't lost his edge after completing a one-day test at Putnam Park in Indianapolis. Philippe was confirmed as the team's driver for the final two rounds of the 2007 season, replacing Assen podium finisher Jan Heylen at Surfers and Mexico City.

"It was a very successful day, and Nelson was able to reacquaint himself quickly to the DP01," team boss Eric Bachelart reported, "He was able to get some practice standing starts in and run laps with a full fuel tank. The entire team was impressed with his speed at the test."

The current Indy 300 champion returns to Conquest with the backing of new sponsors Juniper Development Group - via its Surfers Paradise project - Soul and the Opes Prime Group.

"We had a productive test day and I immediately felt comfortable in the car," he said, "I had forgotten how fast these things went! It will be tough for me to catch up to all the other drivers since I haven't done any races in the DP01, but I am very determined to get back to the top. It is great to be back with Conquest, as they are a very professional team that knows how to have fun - I know we will be successful!"

Philippe's return also marks a reunion with race engineer Don Bricker, who is looking forward to working with the Frenchman in Australia.

"I have had the chance to see Nelson progress throughout his Champ Car career," Bricker noted, "His is always a strong driver to work with who gives good feedback to the team. We expect he will be very competitive in the upcoming final two rounds."

While he may credit Valence as his hometown, Philippe has recently adopted Surfers Paradise as his new residence, living in the seaside town with his girlfriend, reigning Bartercard Miss Indy Sarah Buller. His new Aussie home offers him the ideal perch from which to scope out the challenging 2.795-mile street course where, just one year ago, he became the youngest driver to win a Champ Car race. His next goal is to become the first driver to earn a repeat win at the Australian event.

"I am very happy to be racing again, especially in my adopted hometown!" he smiled, "I have been here for the past two months looking at the track being built and it is an awesome feeling to be back to defend my title."