Minardi Team USA has confirmed that Ernesto Viso will get another chance to test its Panoz DP01 during this weekends Champ Car World Series test at Sebring.
The Venezuelan GP2 race winner tested for the team prior to Christmas and set an impressive pace in what was his first Champ Car outing, stopping the clocks with a best time quicker than series-front runner Will Power had managed in an earlier test at the Florida venue.
Now, as he continues to evaluate his options for the coming season, Viso will return to the track for a further three days of testing and he admitted he couldn't wait to get back behind the wheel.
“I'm very excited to be back on-track after such a big break,” he said. “After the successful test we had in December I know the team and the people inside it. I am ready to start working with them for some more successful test days, and I feel very good about once again being with all the great guys at Minardi Team USA.
“Racing in Champ Car is a challenge coming from another part of the world and not knowing the tracks, car, etc., but I feel ready for it. The key will be to have a short learning curve and to be out front quickly.”
Keith Wiggins – co-owner of the team with Paul Stoddart – said he was looking forward to working with Viso again during the test and said the focus was now on trying to develop a relationship rather than just get to know each other.
“We're looking forward to a new season and continuing to build and develop as we have since 2001,” he said. “We are looking forward to working with Ernesto again, as we think he can do great things in Champ Car with us.
“This time, however, we will focus on developing both the car and driver with a view to the championship as opposed to just evaluating and getting to know each other. We're looking forward to a productive two and half days in Florida, and will surely accomplish a lot.”
