Castroneves impressed by F1 debut.
The perpetual smile that graces Helio Castroneves' face was, if anything, wider than ever as the likeable Brazilian climbed from the cockpit after his first Formula One experience with Toyota at Paul Ricard.
The IRL pacesetter was invited to join the team's final test before it heads to Indianapolis - a circuit Castroneves knows well - and impressed both himself and Toyota with a controlled performance in the TF102. In all, Castroneves, who was running alongside regular Toyota tester Stephane Sarrazin, completed 75 laps of the southern French venue.
The perpetual smile that graces Helio Castroneves' face was, if anything, wider than ever as the likeable Brazilian climbed from the cockpit after his first Formula One experience with Toyota at Paul Ricard.
The IRL pacesetter was invited to join the team's final test before it heads to Indianapolis - a circuit Castroneves knows well - and impressed both himself and Toyota with a controlled performance in the TF102. In all, Castroneves, who was running alongside regular Toyota tester Stephane Sarrazin, completed 75 laps of the southern French venue.
"I loved every single second of today's session," the bubbly Brazilian enthused, "I did quite a few laps, doing some long runs as well as some qualifying laps. This was my first time in a Formula One car and I was impressed by how easy the TF102 was to drive, and especially by the braking. The team were great and worked professionally and I am very happy with the overall organisation of the day."
Castroneves was the only Brazilian on show, despite speculation that fellow countryman Cristiano da Matta may appear to enhance claims that he will be racing in F1 next year.
