Team Newman-Haas Born Feb. 28, 1979 Home Le Mans, France
STATS	2003	CAREER
Rank	4	4*
Starts	18	18
Wins	3	3
Top 5	9	9
Poles	5	5
Top Finish	1	1
*Indicates career best points finish

2003 recap
The good: Not since Juan Montoya has a rookie been so impressive. This cool 24-year-old Frenchman won three times, had a trio of seconds and captured five pole positions on his way to fourth in the point standings.

The bad: Had four DNFs (three mechanical), which robbed him of any chance at the championship.

Key stat: Started in the top six slots all but once in 18 races.

2004 outlook
What needs to be done: Just a little good fortune because he's got everything else.

Key change: He knows all the tracks this time around.

Prediction: Will be very hard to beat in 2004.

Your take
Sebastien Bourdais made a splash as a rookie. Can he expect to compete for a championship in 2004? Here are your thoughts on Bourdais and his prospects for the 2004 season.