INDYCAR: Teams Conclude Test At Barber

IndyCar

INDYCAR: Teams Conclude Test At Barber

Team Penske, KV Racing, Chip Ganassi Racing and A.J. Foyt Racing took part in a private test at Barber Motorsports Park ahead of the official test on March 14-15.

Media Release | Posted March 02, 2011

Ryan Briscoe broke cover in his IZOD-liveried Team Penske entry at Barber. (LAT)

Team Penske took to the track at Barber Motorsports Park for the first laps of the 2011 IZOD INDYCAR Series season on Tuesday. Drivers Helio Castroneves, Ryan Briscoe and Will Power all spent considerable time on the track getting re-acquainted with their cars, engineers and crews.

For the drivers it was a welcome opportunity to get back in the cockpit and on to the track. For the engineers it was a chance to try a few of the ideas they were working on in the off-season and for the mechanics it was an opportunity to get back into the flow of a day at the race track.

Charlie Kimball turned his first laps in his new Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara-Honda. (LAT)

The day was smooth and productive for all three crews and drivers. There were no official timed laps, but all of the teams were pleased with the work they accomplished.

"It felt great to be back in the car," said Helio Castroneves. "Today was mostly about getting back in to a groove and finding our rhythm. We spent the first part of the day just getting comfortable and then in the afternoon we were actually able to test a few things out on the track. Overall, it was a very productive day and I certainly look forward to coming back for the open test in a couple of weeks."

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"I was happy to be back in an IndyCar, it has been a long time away from the car for all of us," said Ryan Briscoe. "We spent the morning just kind of knocking the rust off. This afternoon we were able to get into our test program and it was a productive afternoon. We are already looking ahead to the open test and we are excited to get the season underway."

"We had a great day on track, it felt like I had not been out the car at all and was almost surprised at how I immediately felt comfortable," said Will Power. "I can't wait to come back for the open test and then get down to business in what is sure to be one of the most competitive seasons in IndyCar history."

(Click on the image below to view the Barber Testing Gallery)

KV Racing Technology, Lotus and drivers Takuma Sato and E. J. Viso had a successful first test in preparation for the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series season today at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama.

Today’s test was a “shakedown” with both drivers running approximately 100 miles in an effort to “knock some of the rust off” prior to the IZOD IndyCar Series Open Test on March 14-15, also at Barber.

E.J. Viso got up to speed in his KV Racing Indy car along with teammate Takuma Sato. (LAT)

“KV Racing Technology-Lotus had a successful test and I am extremely pleased with the job Team Manager Tom Wurtz and his entire staff did today,” said General Manager Mark Johnson. “This was our first pre-season test and first with Tom running the show. It went off without a hitch as would be expected of someone with his experience. We started off a little slow with a couple of spins, but finished the day strong.”

Sato, who will be driving the No. 5 car in his second IndyCar season, said, “It was nice to get back in the car again especially since it has been a long time since we were last on a road course. This was a shakedown test, so we had limited mileage, but we were able to evaluate a few items before the open test at Barber in two weeks, which is important. It was also good to get back to work with the team. We have a few new faces so it was good to get together. We still have to look at the data, but overall I feel it was a very successful test.”

Viso, behind the wheel of the No. 8 PDVSA entry, is entering his fourth IndyCar season, second with KVRT–Lotus and first with Lotus livery said, “This was the first test of the season for the team and I am very excited with how things went. We made a lot of progress with all the things we tested and are definitely in a better position heading into the open test at Barber in two weeks. The atmosphere with the team is very positive. Everybody is working hard as we get ready for the season, so I feel good about the way things are going.”

Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing and IZOD IndyCar Series Rookie driver Charlie Kimball completed their first test on Tuesday, March 1st at Barber Motorsports Park.

Kimball, who was announced December 16th in Indianapolis as the driver of the No. 83 Levemir and NovoLog FlexPen Honda Dallara, tested the 2.38-mile permanent road course and turned his first laps in an Indy car.

Vitor Meira was also in action at Alabama. (LAT)

“Charlie’s first test in an Indy car went great,” said Team Manger Mitch Davis. “He remained focused and professional throughout the practice. It was like he had been driving Indy cars for years and we were very impressed. Once we scrubbed off a few laps and Charlie got up to speed, we continued to get faster as the team made adjustments toward the end of practice. By the end of the day, we had met all of our expectations and felt accomplished.”

Kimball, turned 58 laps with a best time of 1:12.300.

“Completing my first test with Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing reminded me how grateful I am to be a part of this team,” said Kimball, who will compete for IZOD IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year honors in 2011. “The crew allowed me to focus on turning my first laps and getting up to speed, which is exactly what we did. Overall, I’m thrilled with the results from the test and I can’t wait to get back in the car.”

A.J. Foyt Racing also took part in the Barber test with driver Vitor Meira. Foyt was reportedly pleased with the progress the team made and the speed shown with the No. 14 ABC Supply car.

The 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series season opens March 25-27 with the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.

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