Haberfeld returns to Conquest cockpit at Sebring.

Mi-Jack Conquest Racing was reunited with its 2003 driver Mario Haberfeld at Sebring late last week, as the combination put in a full day's testing ahead of the forthcoming Champ Car World Series.

Although Haberfeld has yet to agree terms with the Mi-Jack-backed team - and admits to holding options elsewhere for 2004 - the test proved to be a success for both parties.

"It was great to get together with the guys again and get back in the car," Mario admitted afterwards, "I've kept in shape, and have done some karting, but it was a long winter and there is no substitute for seat time."

In addition to getting the feel for a Champ Car after three months' lay-off, Haberfeld and the team had a rigorous test agenda that saw the Reynard-Ford complete more than 180 miles in the one-day test.

"We made a decision, along with Mario, that he would focus on left-foot braking at this test," revealed team owner Eric Bachelart, "It was also Mario's first day working with principal engineer, Don Bricker, but he was satisfied with the progress on both items."

"Don was here last year, so we knew each other fairly well," Haberfeld explained, "It is different when you are actually working together, and I'm pleased that our communication was very strong."

Switching to the new braking technique proved to be a bigger challenge, however,

"We fought understeer all last year and, together with the team, I thought this would help," the Brazilian explained, "We were right. It's not the sort of thing you can switch to in the middle of the season, and this was the perfect opportunity to get acclimated to it."

The team will continue its preparation for April's season-opening Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach with additional testing and development in its Indianapolis workshop.