Rahal completes Newman Haas test.
Champ Car Atlantic racer Graham Rahal has completed his two-day test session with Newman Haas Racing after a second trouble free day of running of Sebring.
The 17-year-old ran approximately 160 miles in the car raced by Bruno Junqueira and was able to lower his best time by almost a second to post a fastest lap of 51.5secs around the 1.65 mile circuit.
Champ Car Atlantic racer Graham Rahal has completed his two-day test session with Newman Haas Racing after a second trouble free day of running of Sebring.
The 17-year-old ran approximately 160 miles in the car raced by Bruno Junqueira and was able to lower his best time by almost a second to post a fastest lap of 51.5secs around the 1.65 mile circuit.
"Everything went really well," he said. "I was able to go nine tenths faster than yesterday and it was nice to improve. Everything from the data from Sebastien and Bruno's test there told us the areas we could improve and we were able to so I am happy with the progress. Unfortunately the rain ended the test early but we were able to practice some pit stops. To improve made me happy and ended the test on a positive note.
"I think I like the car a little different than they are used to; I was fairly easy on the rear tyres so they could tune the car more. I wasn't going to push it too much and force an error but certainly it [reduced rear tyre wear] worked to my advantage. The team was great to work with and I hope I can work with them again in the future."
Team general manager Brian Lisles was pleased with the way the teenager had performed during the test and tipped him for a bright future in the sport.
"Today was another good test day with Graham," he said. "He learns fast and gives good feedback which is the mark of a good race driver. He was able to run a competitive lap times and worked well with the team. We believe he has a bright future."