Team Australia's Will Power held an ambitious goal heading into the start of the 2007 Champ Car World Series and the Australian driver is on track to succeed in his aim heading into the Champ Car Grand Prix of Houston in Texas this weekend. source: teamaustraliamotorsport.com The 2006 Champ Car Rookie of the Year set his sights on holding the championship lead after the hectic opening to the season, where the first three races are all held in successive weeks and all are on demanding street circuits. Power holds a 15-point championship lead over series veteran Alex Tagliani as teams prepare to tackle the Reliant Park street course this weekend, with three-time and defending Champ Car champion Sebastien Bourdais a further four points behind. Power and the Aussie Vineyards-backed team are looking for their fourth-successive podium result this weekend, with a third place finish in the 2006 season finale in Mexico City, a debut win in the opening round of the year in Las Vegas and third last weekend in Long Beach, California. The 26-year-old form Toowoomba, Queensland is in the form of his life, with three podiums and two pole positions from his last four races. Last year Power finished seventh in Houston in only his fourth Champ Car race and 12 months on his goals have risen substantially. Simon Pagenaud is looking to translate his impressive car speed into a strong finish and solid haul of points in Houston, after qualifying in the top five for each of the opening two races of the season only to have luck go against him in the races. Pagenaud was second in Houston in last year's Champ Car Atlantic Championship, which the Frenchman went on to win over rival Graham Rahal, who like Pagenaud, has moved up to Champ Car this season. WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY ... Will Power - #5 Aussie Vineyards Team Australia DP01 "It's great heading into Houston, going to another circuit that I'm familiar with," said Power. "I really enjoyed the track a lot, but this year I think the race will be even more interesting, because the organisers have made some changes. The circuit should flow a lot better and we have a car that is good for that type of track. "The team is headed in the right direction and is working very hard. Our plan for the weekend is to have another positive weekend, a good result and get a solid points lead so we can relax a little on our break and get some more good development done on the car."
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