source:
rocketsportsracing.com
Rocketsports Champ Car drivers, Alex Tagliani and Nelson Philippe completed
two days of testing in Homestead, Florida today. The second year Rocketsports
team made steady progress as they experimented with various new equipment and
concepts in preparation for the 2004 Champ Car World Series.
Tagliani, driver of the No. 8 Rocketsports/Johnson Controls Lola, was especially
impressed by the determination of the team at the conclusion of the Florida
sessions.
"This is a team on a mission," claimed Tagliani. "From all that I've seen and
experienced in these test days, I'm confident of Rocketsports' success and the
ability to be championship contenders this season.
"There have been tremendous changes to the team, and we were all very prepared.
Everyone seemed to work well together and they were excellent at pit stops. The
additional personnel from running two cars and having a year's experience will
be a great advantage to us this season.
"We developed different ideas for the set-up of the cars, for road and street
courses. We used information that we gained from new equipment and programs to
do this, and the results were very positive. Brian Ma, Alain Clarinval (lead
engineers), and the data engineers were thoroughly planned, and it paid off. We
were able to learn a lot in a short time, and the quick response from the Lola
was just what we anticipated," said Tagliani, who posted a lap time of 1:07.9 on
the 2.14 mile Homestead track.
Nelson Philippe, driver of the No.17 Rocketsports/LeasePlan Lola, also came away
from the test sessions feeling positive and prepared for the upcoming
season-opener. "The Homestead tests went very well. We concentrated on long runs
and pit stops. We were also able learn more about the Lola and various set-up
packages that we'll need heading into the season.
"I spent a lot of time with the engineers and crew, and got a good handle on how
the team will work together. These have been long, hard days, but I needed the
seat-time, and feel ready for the Long Beach race, which is just around the
corner," said Philippe eager for the season-opener, the Toyota Grand Prix of
Long Beach, April 16-18, 2004.