For the first time since his second Champ Car run in Mexico City, Andreas Wirth was behind the wheel again yesterday. source: Gail Shankland Eager to get his feet wet and gain some experience in the new Panoz DP01, Andreas eagerly accepted the invitation to test in Texas with Dale Coyne Racing, the team who afforded him his first race opportunities in the Champ Car World Series last season. While Andreas was eager to test earlier this year at Sebring International Raceway, prior obligations with potential sponsors kept him away from the track and busy at home in Germany despite his keen desire to get back in the driver's seat. Although Wirth didn't expect to literally get his feet wet during his first run in the DP01, inclement weather yesterday didn't dampen the spirits of this driven young up and comer. After much anticipation, Andreas was extremely happy to be back in a Champ Car, and showed promise throughout the damp morning session. With the second session on Monday afternoon came more rain, a little more practice and yet more determination as Wirth set out to make an impression in the #19 Dale Coyne Racing entry. In spite of driving rain, Wirth put in an excellent performance and made the best out of a miserable day, turning a total of 51 laps. "It was great to finally get some time in the new car!" said Wirth. "It's a very cool car - very nice to drive. It's too bad that we couldn't do more laps - it was pouring rain! Unfortunately we never had a dry run. I just look forward now to getting in as much time as possible, and to do some dry testing as well. It's frustrating because today it's a beautiful sunny day! Hopefully I'll get some more seat time soon." "I want to thank Dale for the opportunity to test with them this week, I really appreciate the chance to get some experience in the new car," continued Wirth. "I know I need a lot more time in the car, but I feel I'm off to a good start - it's just great to be in the driver's seat again! I've had a busy off-season just dealing with the business behind racing and trying to line things up for 2007, so what I need now is more seat time and practice. Hopefully that will all come together very soon." With less than two months before the 2007 season begins, Wirth has his work cut out for him as he seeks to achieve his life long dream to run full-time with some of the world's most talented drivers in the Champ Car World Series. Andreas remains optimistic that he will be on the starting grid as the 2007 Champ Car World Series of competition gets underway on the streets of Las Vegas on April 8, 2007.
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