Coronel To Pursue Cart Seat.

Formula Nippon champion Tom Coronel will actively seek the funds to race in America after a successful test with John Della Penna's Champcar outfit last week.


The Dutchman, who was passed over for a race deal with Arrows in favour of compatriot Jos Verstappen, ran Della Penna's Reynard at Sebring, and impressed the veteran team boss with his pace and control. Coronel completed 80 laps of the Florida circuit in total and found that the car was completely different to anything he had imagined.


"I always thought that these cars were bulky and underpowered," he admitted, "but, today, I found that this was far from true. These are real racing cars!


"For me, the test was a good chance to see what Champcar racing is all about. I really enjoyed it, and was given a lot of track time. We tried a couple of things to set the car up to my personal liking, and it all worked out very well. John Della Penna was happy with the test - he told me I could be successful here, and that's encouraging."


Della Penna refused to be drawn on whether he would run Coronel alongside regular pilot Richie Hearn this season, but hinted that, if the Dutchman could find some backing, there may be a second seat available later in the year.