Mazzacane eyes IRL move after Schmidt test.

Former Formula One driver Gaston Mazzacane could be looking to relaunch his career in the Indy Racing League after completing his Rookie orientation test with Sam Schmidt Motorsports at the Kentucky Speedway on Wednesday.

The 27 year-old Argentinean born driver completed 113 laps on the 1.5-mile oval and reached a top speed of 217.3 mph in the No. 20 Sam Schmidt Motorsports Dallara/Chevrolet. Also testing on Wednesday at the Kentucky Speedway was Arie Luyendyk Jr in the Treadway Racing G Force/Chevrolet, who recorded a best lap in the 218.4mph range.

Mazzacane competed for the Minardi and Prost Formula One teams in 2000 and 2001 and the crowning moment of his F1 career came at the hallowed grounds of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2000 when he resolutely held off the McLaren of Mika Hakinen in a wet/dry race. However his career fell into limbo following his departure from the Prost outfit four races into the 2001season and he has recently been racing touring cars in his native South America.

"He had never been on an oval, period," said team owner Sam Schmidt, who was trackside for the test. "This was quite an introduction for him. After his first few laps, he came in and was just in awe because of the speeds. We got through the rookie test with flying colours, no problems."

In addition to Mazzacane's rookie test, the Schmidt crew also tested several drivers in one of the team's Infiniti Pro Series cars. Toyota Atlantic driver David Wieringa, NAMARS MidgetCar points leader Aaron Pierce, Buddy Davis, John Renda, Jeff Gardner and Stephen Davidson each turned their first laps in an Infiniti Pro Series car.

"It's a pretty good variety of drivers," said Schmidt. "John Renda is from Formula 2000, Davidson is from Formula 2000, Jeff Gardner is from USAC Sprint cars, Buddy Davis is from stock cars. Each guy has a different background, so it's been a lot of fun testing."

With a reputation as being a well-funded driver, Mazzacane could be the player who keeps Schmidt in the game for 2003 should he decide to pursue a career in the IRL. However no further tests with the two have been scheduled at this time.