ChampCar to Europe

The deals for races at Assen in Holland on September 2 and Zolder in Belgium a week later, were signed by series president Steve Johnson on Wednesday.

Johnson said: "We considered a number of options for our return to Europe and these two events will prove to be very successful for our teams, fans and sponsor partners."

The Dutch event is set for a huge crowd following Paul Stoddart's declaration that he wants to run drivers Jos Verstappen – a national hero – and Robert Doornbos in his new Minardi squad.

And such possibilities are exciting event promoter Bart Reitbergen.

"We are excited to bring the American equivalent of Formula One racing to Europe," said Rietbergen.

"Champ Car provides close racing that is easy for European fans to understand, and they will be very impressed with the access that they will have in the Champ Car paddock."

ChampCar last raced in Europe in 2003 when a similar double-header was staged at Brands Hatch in Britain and Lausitz in Germany (pictured). The Rockingham oval staged the British event from 2001-2002.