Tuesday October 22nd, 2002

Malaysian Grand Prix hopeful Alex Yoong is on the verge of signing a deal to race in the United States Champ Car series next season after giving up on his Formula One dream.

Yoong, 26, had a disastrous time with the back-of-the-grid Minardi team this season and was even rested after failing to qualify three times. But he now believes he is set to move to the front of the grid.

"We are very close to signing with a winning CART team," Yoong told his personal website. "The moment this is done we'll have to get the release from Minardi and we'll move on from there.

"I am looking forward to CART because there is a chance to win races instead of racing at the back and that is very attractive to me. The competition in CART is very intense but it's possible for me to do well there."

Yoong was offered a year of testing with Minardi, but has declined the offer because he believes the team will not take part in many testing sessions between races. The unfortunate Malaysian struggled all season because the team could not afford to attend test sessions and, while he wishes his old team all the best, he is keen to get his career back on track.

"A year's testing would do me good for sure, but I do not believe Minardi will be testing much in 2003," said Yoong. "I feel a year's racing would be better - but I must thank Paul (Stoddart) for giving me the opportunity in Formula One.

"The whole team who worked tirelessly and never gave up hope on me. It was a good year with many challenges along the way, I learnt a lot as the season went on and was pleased with how the year ended.

"And I am sure that without Paul, the team would not have been racing. He had a difficult year with all the off-track pressure and distractions and I really hope that Minardi will be in Formula One next year and for the years to come."

Published at 13:19:34 GMT