Paul Tracy and Sebastien Bourdais have a long history of animosity, but the
veteran Canadian driver is wishing Bourdais, winner of three consecutive Champ
Car World Series titles, all the best with his career.
"I know he wants to get to Formula One, and I think he deserves the chance to
be there," Tracy said. "He has done everything that there is to do here.
"However, the longer he stays in Champ Cars, the less likely it will be that
he will get to Formula One. So, as a series, we would like to see him stay, but
it would be nice to see him get an opportunity."
In August, Bourdais, who clinched his latest title with an eighth-place
finish last Sunday in Australia, was taken out of the Denver race by Tracy.
Bourdais passed the 2003 champion for second place near the end of the race, but
Tracy locked his brakes, slid into Bourdais, and both cars failed to finish.
Afterward, Bourdais got out of his car and charged at Tracy. The two
exchanged words, and Bourdais shoved Tracy.
Tracy was fined US$25,000 (euro20,000) and docked three championship points.
Two weeks earlier, Tracy was put on probation after causing a crash that led to
a fight with fellow Canadian driver Alex Tagliani at the San Jose Grand Prix.
"He (Bourdais) seems to have his way with everyone else," Tracy said. "But I
am not the type just to roll over for him, and that is where the problems arise.
He thinks he should have things a certain way and I am not prepared to give
that."
Despite their differences, Tracy said he respects Bourdais' driving ability.
"We don't have the greatest relationship on or off the track," Tracy said.
"But he is a great driver, fantastic at what he does. He is the measuring stick
that everyone wants to beat."
The Champ Car season finale is in Mexico City on November 12.
