DP01 completes trouble-free first run.

The Panoz DP01, the chassis that will be used in the Champ Car World Series from 2007, has turned its wheel for the first time at the Sebring International Raceway, in the hands of experienced racer Roberto Moreno.

Set to replace the ageing Lola chassis currently in operation, the Panoz DP01 was unveiled a few weeks ago but it is only now that intensive testing to make it reliable has begun, with Moreno putting in over 100 trouble-free miles.

Indeed, there were fears that 92 degree heat would create overheating problems for such a new model but the DP01 did not miss a beat, while Moreno used his experience to not put a foot wrong over the seven-hour test.

"I am extremely impressed with how quickly we got the testing program running and running well," Moreno said. "All of the new systems showed great promise and should provide the teams and drivers with a car that they can really work with.

"The paddle shifters worked well and will really allow you to drive the car in the corners deeper since you don't have to take your hands off the wheel. The brakes worked well, the cooling systems did a great job and I am excited about running even more testing tomorrow."

"Everything is going according to plan," added Champ Car Director of Technology Scot Elkins. "We are very happy with the results and we feel confident in our ability to complete our test plan. We are looking forward to increasing the length and the intensity of the testing as we go along."

Designed in a way that keeps costs down, the chassis has already prompted at least one new team to join the grid in 2007 in the shape of Atlantics squad Gelles Racing, although more have been hinted as following. Meanwhile, the DP01 will continue its testing program as the Champ Car competitors head to Montreal for the eleventh round of the championship.