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Homestead Day 2 Report

Team Penske's Ryan Briscoe set the fastest time during the first 2009 IndyCar Series test at Homestead. The Australian managed a lap average of 212.156 mph, just edging out yesterday's pace-setter Scott Dixon (211.825 mph). Marco Andretti, Tony Kanaan and a surprising Mario Moraes completed the top five, while rookie Mike Conway impressed with an eight time.

Ryan Briscoe showed he is ready to take on Scott Dixon for the 2009 title, after setting the quickest time of the two-day test. The two drivers were on top of the timetables most of timpe during the two six-hour sessions. Briscoe, a triple-race winner in 2008, seems to come on stronger and stronger since he first joined Penske last year.

Briscoe: "I'm really happy with the way our only pre-season oval test went this week. We were able to work on a lot of different things and I'm satisfied with what we were able to accomplish. I think that what we learned here at Homestead will help us on all the 1.5-mile ovals this season starting with Kansas and moving forward. I think we're in great shape, and now we're one step closer to the beginning of the season."

In absence of Helio Castroneves - who is preparing for his tax fraud trial - Briscoe's team-mate Will Power adapted to his new team and put in a sixth time. Dan Wheldon started his return to Panther Racing with a seventh posititon.

Rookie Mike Conway (Dreyer & Reinbold) impressed with an eight time after his first days of oval testing.

"It's all about learning each time I go out - learning about running with traffic, how the tires come in, just things with setup like aero changes, mechanical changes. They all feel quite different. I've really got a feel as to what the car is doing and how it's reacting to each change. I've been learning how to run in different lines and how to react in traffic. Lots learned throughout the test. Each day was another positive step. It was a good test overall. I have to thank the Dreyer & Reinbold guys for the hard work and great job they've done in getting me acclimated to everything. I can't wait to get back on the track again."

The IndyCar's next test will take place on the Barber Motorsports Park's road course from 22-23 March. The season kicks off in the streets of St. Petersburg, Fl, on 5 April.

Filip Cleeren

Written: Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:56:40