Briscoe nails fastest lap in Sebring test

The IndyCar Series open test on the 1.669-mile Sebring International Raceway short-track proved to be useful for the team in their final preparations for the 2008 season. They had completed the oval warm-up at Homestead-Miami Speeedway, the site of the March 29th season opener. Today, they wrapped-up the testing needed for the street and road circuits.

Ryan Briscoe nailed down the fastest lap with a time of 52.4202 (113.929 mph). His Penske teammate Helio Castroneves was a tad slower at 52.4531 (114.617 mph). The two were the only ones to hit the 114 mph mark.

"The Sebring test gave us a chance to be on the track with a few more cars than when we were here during the offseason," said Tim Cindric, president of Penske Performance, Inc. "Ryan continues to get more and more acclimated with the team. I think we've proved that we have two pretty equal drivers going into the St. Pete race, so overall, it was certainly a productive test for us."

Andretti Green Racing's Tony Kanaan was third quick with his best lap of 52.8609 (113.732 mph). Fourth fastest was the team's rookie Hideki Mutoh at 52.9513 (113.538 mph).

"After Homestead, where I had a rough test, it's good to come out of here knowing that we got the job done," Kanaan said. "I have a lot of responsibility on my back right now with this team. I don't mind, but it's definitely a relief. Everything that was on the list, we got it done."

Chip Ganassi Racing's duo were fifth and sixth in the combined times. Dan Wheldon turned his best lap at 53.0131 (113.406 mph) with Scott Dixon laying down a 53.0286 (113.373 mph).

Darren Manning who landed with A.J. Foyt Racing last season continues, even in the off-season, to keep the team's competitive edge against the series' two-car team giants. Manning's best lap was 53.0433 (113.341 mph).

With the unification, the teams from the former Champ Car series will have the chance to test with their new Dallara-Honda IndyCars on March 19-20.