Stoddart makes champ car move

Former Minardi Formula One team-owner Paul Stoddart is to race a team in the American Champ Car series next year.

Stoddart has purchased a controlling interest in the Indianapolis-based CTE Racing HVM Team, rebranding it as Minardi Team USA.

The move ends the Australian's sabbatical from motorsport after selling Minardi to energy drinks giant Red Bull at the end of last year.

"After taking a year off, we've had a chance to consider our options and examine how we might want to be involved with the sport in the future," said Stoddart.

"After a lot of deliberation, we've come to the conclusion that Champ Car, with its blend of highly competitive, cost-effective racing and relatively level 'playing field', offers easily the best way forward."