Big in Japan

When you have the talent you can race anything, and Tony Kanaan has the talent. We don't know if he can dance, but we do know he can drive the wheels off pretty much any open-wheel vehicle he gets his hands on. Case in point, this past weekend's Formula Nippon race at Suzuka, Japan.

The 2004 IndyCar Series champion advanced 12 positions to finish sixth in the Japan Formula Nippon finale at Suzuka Circuit last weekend. Kanaan had never driven at the track -- or driven the Formula Nippon car – before the first of two practice sessions.

"I was pleased at the end of the day, after all I gained 12 positions in the race," said Kanaan, who won the IndyCar Series race at Twin Ring Motegi in April. "The (standing) start especially was difficult, since I hadn't done one in 12 years."

(MORE from IndyCar.com)

Just for giggles, note that Kanaan's sixth place matches the best finish by new teammate Hideki Mutoh in his three races at Suzuka in the 2006 Formula Nippon series. There's nothing more to say there.