Mike Conway Birmingham test notes 2011-03-10

Mike Conway back behind the wheel as he tests Andretti Autosport IndyCar

London, UK – Thursday 10th March

British racing driver Mike Conway was yesterday back behind the wheel of an IndyCar as he took to the Sebring race track in his Andretti Autosport car, setting the fastest lap of the day.

Mike Conway

Adriano Manocchia

This week’s test marks the first time that Conway has been in an IndyCar since sustaining serious and season-ending injuries in last year’s Indianapolis 500.

Conway sustained multiple fractures to his lower left leg and a compression fracture to his T3 vertebrae during the accident and has since undergone nine months of intensive rehab.

Wednesday’s test at Sebring saw the Andretti Autosport driver complete just over 60 laps of the circuit. Although there was fairly limited mileage at this test, Mike was able to work closely with the team on set up, doing a number of different set up runs throughout the day.

Conway was quickly on the pace and the lap times began to tumble as the session progressed. Mike finished the day the quickest of the twelve cars present at the test.

Mike’s return to the car comes just over two weeks before the start of the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series, with the first race on March 27th in St Petersburg.

Mike Conway commented; “It sounds so clichéd but it really is so fantastic to be back! It’s been a long journey returning to full fitness following the accident and it feels great to be back testing and preparing for the season. We made some good progress at today’s test, gradually chipping away at the lap times and it will be good to continue to build on this at the next test in Barber on Monday.”

“The first race of the season is at the end of the month in St Petersburg and I’m looking forward to lining up my Andretti Autosport car on the grid. I want to thank everyone who has supported me over the past nine months. I’ve had some fantastic people working with me and I really appreciate all the work they’ve put in. It’s a real honour to be racing for the Andretti Autosport team this year and I’m confident that together we will be able to secure some great results;” continued Conway.

-source: mike conway PR