Following his test for Minardi Team USA two months ago, Ernesto Viso will again climb behind the wheel of one of the team’s DP01 chassis at the first official Champ Car World Series test of the 2008 season, this weekend, February 2-4, at Sebring International Raceway.
The Venezuelan was quickly up to speed during his previous test with the team, also at the famous central Florida track, posting lap times that impressed all. He adapted rapidly to the turbocharged power and downforce of the latest Champ Car, both of which were new to him, and gelled with the team and engineers.
Viso is a race winner in the highly competitive GP2 Series, and has carried out testing work in F1. He is undoubtedly a very capable young driver and made no secret of his desire to compete in the Champ Car World Series following his earlier test with Minardi Team USA. "I think it would be a positive move for me and my career to be in Champ Car in 2008," he said at the time. "I’m really hopeful that it will happen."
Clearly, the intervening two months have not diminished Viso’s enthusiasm for Champ Car, as he readied himself for this weekend’s test with the team.
Ernesto Viso
"I’m very excited to be back on-track after such a big break. 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, Minardi Team USA Co-Owner
"We’re looking forward to a new season and continuing to build and develop as we have since 2001. 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 2 ½ days in Florida, and will surely accomplish a lot."
Minardi Team USA is owned by Keith Wiggins and Paul Stoddart and is based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team, in its 7 years of competition in the Champ Car World Series has earned 6 wins, 2 pole positions, and an additional 16 podiums since 2001 when Wiggins took over Bettenhausen Motorsports. Minardi Team USA finished 3rd in Championship standings in 2007 and driver Robert Doornbos was named Rookie of the Year.
For more information visit www.minarditeamusa.com
- Aislinn Miller ,Graham Jones - photos MINARDI
