Talented Ilkley rookie James Hanson can't wait for the Czech round of the European Touring Car Champion-ship at Brno on Sunday, April 15.

Despite having to use an under-powered engine, the 23-year-old finished a superb third in the under-25 category in the opening round at Monza last weekend.

"We have made good progress on the performance of the car and look forward to getting a more powerful engine for the race in Brno," said the Owler Park Road resident.

"It was a good learning experience for myself and the team as Monza was my first race in touring cars and only the second opportunity to drive the car on a dry track."

Hanson, in an Edenbridge Racing Team E46 320 I BMW, and team-mate Tom Ferrier were also second and third in the under-25 category, which featured many of the best drivers that Europe can field.

However, the practice sessions on Monza's frighteningly fast straights - Formula One cars easily top 200mph - only emphasised how down on power the cars were. Despite being new to saloon car racing, however, James was 13th fastest and Tom tenth spot in final practice in the opening round of the ten-round series.

Shortage of BMW engine parts was the reason for the power shortage for the Edenbridge cars when the race started, but both drivers used a good race strategy to place tenth and 11th in the final open class results.

Edenbridge Racing Team Manager Peter Briggs said: "To get both cars to the finish and run faultlessly all weekend is a testament to the team and BMW. I look forward to seeing how we perform at Brno in the Czech Republic in a fortnight."

James went into the opening round with a string of single-seater successes in Europe, America and the Far East.

lDario Franchitti plans on adding Long Beach to his hit-list of American cities when he resumes his quest for the CART FedEx Championship title this weekend.

The Californian venue is the only temporary street track on the calendar on which Scot Franchitti has failed to win and he intends to put that right on Sunday.

"I've been runner-up twice at this race (in 1998-99) so I'd like to think it's my turn for the win," said the 27-year-old.