Fern?ndez prepares for 1st run in new Honda/Lola.

Adri?n Fern?ndez will take his first laps behind the wheel of the team's new Honda/Lola package this week as Fern?ndez Racing resumes its pre-season testing program with a two-day outing at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Fla., beginning today, January 23rd.

Fern?ndez recently spent two days at the team's base in Indianapolis in preparation for the test, and is ready to get to work: "It was nice to be at the shop to see the guys in action with the new cars, and to see Buckwheat [new team manager Bob Adie] and Don Halliday working with everyone. The atmosphere was great, and the new car looks good.

"I was getting my seat done which took about two full days, but it feels pretty comfortable. We will know for sure at the test, which I am very excited about. I have been preparing myself physically better than I have ever done before, and I am really looking forward to getting back in the car. I think the team is going to be a lot better prepared to face the championship, so we are very excited. All of the guys are very motivated and working very hard. I think this is going to mean a lot for the first race in Mexico."

Shinji Nakano, who put the Honda/Lola through its initial paces during a shakedown test on January 10th, will join Fern?ndez trackside and resume testing on the 24th. The team's pair of Honda/Lolas won't be the only Champ Cars on the 1.65-mile road course as Michael Andretti, Cristiano da Matta, Scott Dixon, Alex Tagliani, Jimmy Vasser and Tora Takagi are also expected to test at Sebring this week.