Alex Muller tests for PDM.

Former FIA Formula 3000 driver Alex Muller successfully passed the speed phase of his Indy Racing League IndyCar Series rookie test at Fontana yesterday driving for PDM Racing.

The 23 year-old driver who drove for top team ORECA in the International F3000 Championship in 1998 and 1999, is looking to resurrect his career stateside after a series of disappointments in F3000. The German driver turned 101 laps on the 2-mile, D-shaped oval, with Mark Bridges, technical manager for the Indy Racing League, supervising the test.

"He did very well," Bridges said. "He's got good car control and a good feel for the car. He's very intelligent, gives good feedback and has a lot of talent."

It was the first time on an oval for Muller, who finished second in the German Formula 3 championship in 2000 after a torrid half-season with ORECA in the oversubscribed F3000 series the year before.

"I was quite happy," Muller said. "I've got a big smile on my face; it was cool. The guys did a good job. The set-up was very good. It was my first time at these speeds, but I adapted easily. I was quite happy with the speed."

Muller said he would like to compete in the IndyCar Series.

"I'm trying to put a deal together," Muller said. "That's the reason I'm here, to test this car and do a rookie test. I'm working hard on it to make something happen."