Franchitti targets Motegi winposted in INDY16 | 09 | 2010

    FRESH FROM watching his cousin Paul di Resta impress during Formula One practice at Monza ahead of last weekend's Italian Grand Prix, Bathgate's Dario Franchitti returns to IndyCar action in Japan this weekend. And the 37-year-old, who also has two Indy500 wins under his belt, is determined to take another significant step towards his third championship.

    With two wins, a second, two thirds and a fifth in his last six races, the Scot has slashed the 50-point lead once enjoyed by Aussie Will Power to just 17 and Franchitti is eyeing victory at the penultimate round, the high-speed Twin Ring Motegi oval.

    "We're certainly heading into the weekend with one simple aim in mind, and that's to win," the Target Ganassi racer said today. "We've been strong on ovals all year, so hopefully we can maintain it through this weekend."

    And while Franchitti will be hoping for assistance from his team-mate, Kiwi Scott Dixon, he is relaxed knowing he has been over this scenario before. Last year, as in 2007, Franchitti won the title on the final corner of the final race.

    "Because I've done it before doesn't automatically mean I'll do it again," he said matter-of-factly. "Of course I'm feeling quite good because my Target Ganassi team and me both seem to do well at Motegi and Homestead, where the final race takes place.

    "I know we have the momentum, but when we all arrive for a race weekend it's a case of starting from scratch for everybody. You have to get everything working exactly the way you want.

    "You have to get the car's balance sorted, have the right tyres, qualify well, make no mistakes, and then drive bloody fast. If I do that this weekend, it'll take me another step closer to a third IndyCar Championship."

    Jim McGill

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