Tony Kanaan enters the 2006 IndyCar Series with just one aim - to reclaim the crown he lost to then Andretti Green team-mate Dan Wheldon in 2005.

The Brazilian, who won the 2004 IRL title on the back of a seemingly endless run of top five finishes, has never finished worse than fourth in the point standings and doesn't plan to fall out of championship contention in 2006, even though he recognises that the playing field has levelled out considerably over the years.

"Last year, I was the defending champion, and overall, it was a good year," Kanaan said, "I knew that the string of good luck that had been with us in 2004 wouldn't last forever, but we still had what many would consider to have been a very good season. But, last year, was also a wake-up call, so to speak. The competition was much tougher than it had ever been, and the racing was as close as ever. Now, I'm not the champion anymore, and I want to be back on top."

Kanaan won two races in 2005 and captured pole for the Indianapolis 500, but his twelve top five finishes were only good enough for the runner-up spot behind AGR 'junior' Wheldon when the points were totted up. With Honda providing motive power for the entire field this year, negating AGR's development deal with the manufacturer, he reckons that finishing up front will be key winning back the title.

"My focus has always been on winning races and maximising points," Kanaan explained, "That's the way you earn a championship and that's what I'm looking to do this season.

"The IndyCar Series has always been very competitive, year after year. And, with Honda as the sole engine supplier now, it's becoming even more so. But that's what it's all about - beating people when they are at their best. That's what I'm looking forward to doing this year."