Graham Rahal has admitted that he would have no valid excuses if he was unable to place himself as a title contender - and race winner - during the 2011 season after joining Team Ganassi, winner of the last three series' championship.
"I felt like 2009 was a breakout year for me," Rahal said. "It was very rare that we weren't in the top-6 in qualifying, very rare that we weren't right towards the front, right behind Ganassi and Penske during all the races. A lot of people have overlooked that.
"When I look at that, I certainly feel like we've got a better chance and opportunity this year. We've got better equipment, better personnel. My engineer, Martin Pare, is the same guy that will be with me now. He was with me in '09, as well," he added.
Ganassi has won the last three IndyCar titles with Scott Dixon and with Dario Franchitti. With a four cars lineup this year, the team is looking at even greater success.
Rahal's only victory in the series dates 2008, in St Petersburg, just after the infamous merge with the Champ Car series.
"I don't think anybody wants to win in this organisation as badly as I do," he said.
"I felt like 2009 was a breakout year for me," Rahal said. "It was very rare that we weren't in the top-6 in qualifying, very rare that we weren't right towards the front, right behind Ganassi and Penske during all the races. A lot of people have overlooked that.
"When I look at that, I certainly feel like we've got a better chance and opportunity this year. We've got better equipment, better personnel. My engineer, Martin Pare, is the same guy that will be with me now. He was with me in '09, as well," he added.
Ganassi has won the last three IndyCar titles with Scott Dixon and with Dario Franchitti. With a four cars lineup this year, the team is looking at even greater success.
Rahal's only victory in the series dates 2008, in St Petersburg, just after the infamous merge with the Champ Car series.
"I don't think anybody wants to win in this organisation as badly as I do," he said.