“The event is rated highly in my opinion because it is a very demanding track,” said the Briton, who missed the 2006 race after breaking his wrist in practice, "It's very physical and very demanding on the drivers. There are a lot of kerbs that you have to jump, and a lot of cambered and crowned corners which are very tricky - and I'm sure they will be even trickier in the Indy car.

"Your concentration level needs to be at its highest point because you have to be able to commit to all of the high-speed corners on a street circuit where you don't have any run-off or leeway. I didn't get to drive in 2006 because I broke my wrist clipping the tyre bundle at turn twelve, which ripped the steering wheel through my hands. The smallest mistake can lead to a big accident, so it is very psychological.”

Rahal is also looking forward to his return to Surfers after racing there for the first time in 2007, nine years on from watching father Bobby compete on the same streets in 1998.

“As far as the enthusiasm and excitement of the fans and community around the circuit, Surfers Paradise is one of the best events I have been to and been a part of,” the 19-year old said, “Last year, my expectations for how good the event would be were high based on what I had heard and seen as a kid - but the experience completely surpassed my expectations.

"It was an amazing event last year and it's really exciting for me to go back this year. It's probably the best race on the schedule other than the Indy 500 - in terms of fan attendance and the enthusiasm that the fans have toward the race, it may be unmatched. My dad finished second twice but he didn't win there, so it's up to me to get a win for the Rahals in Australia.”

The 2007 event saw Rahal prove his competitiveness by setting the fastest lap of the race, but he only finished eleventh after being hit by Nelson Philippe on lap 26, while running fifth. He will be one of twelve drivers in the 24-car field to have competed there before this year.

“I think we ran a really good race last year but, unfortunately, we didn't have the best of finishes because of the fact that Nelson hit me and spun me out, but that's how things go,” he reflected, “I was still able to set the fastest lap of the race for the first time - and I don't think the lap time will be beaten any time soon because the Champ Car's had more horsepower [than the current IndyCars].”

The race has always been renowned for its ability to produce surprises beyond the run of new winners, with Mother Nature not averse to throwing her oar in with torrential rain and, on one occasion, a hailstorm. Rahal, however, expects the excitement to remain on track this year.

“I do think you will see more banzai moves because there isn't a championship on the line,” he said, “There are going to be people with the mindset that they are just trying to prove themselves and that it doesn't really matter what happens at the end of it all. Since it's not for points, I think everyone is just going to go all out and see what happens.

"That's the mentality that a lot of these guys have and, unfortunately, any one of us could pay the price for it. The race is known for surprises and I definitely think that will be the case again this year.”