FA: Forsythe duo stack up well.

Last weeks eventful Champ Car Atlantic test at Sebring gave Red Bull Forsythe Racing youngsters John Edwards and Robert Wickens their first major chance to see where they stacked up against the opposition. Neither disappointed.

Despite their youth and relative inexperience, the two Atlantic rookies were far from overawed in the mixed conditions with 15 year-old Edwards setting the fastest time of all in the first session and second fastest time on the second and final day.

Two years older than Edwards, Canadian driver Wickens was also competitive on both days and set fifth fastest time on day two from a 25 strong testing field.

"That was really a great test for us," stated Edwards. "The # 7 Red Bull car was quick right off the transporter and it was pretty satisfying to see my name in P1 at the end of the first session of the year - you can't start any better than that! We got a chance to see just how competitive this series is going to be this year, with a bunch of fast veterans and a lot of new drivers looking to make names for themselves.

"We were close to being quickest overall but both the car and the driver could be a bit better. We expected to be right up there, and I was glad to see that both Red Bull cars were quick in the rain also, but now that test is behind us and we're focused on Houston."

"The first day was a little frustrating as we had a few small problems, but Sunday was terrific," added Wickens. "We had some rain in the morning and I loved it! I enjoy driving in the wet and the Red Bull # 3 seemed to have a perfect set-up when conditions were at their worst. At one point I was almost a second quicker than anyone and John was second fastest!

"As the track started to dry, those with stiffer set-ups eventually went quicker, but if that session had been a race they would have been half a lap behind by then. We found some decent speed in the dry conditions later on Sunday so overall I'm pleased and looking forward to the next open test in Houston."

"We had an outstanding weekend, both in terms of results and in getting a chance to work on some little things we wanted to check out," concluded team manager John Brunner. "We found out that we're right there in the dry, and in wet conditions the cars and drivers were outstanding. I think you'll see us doing rain dances at some events this year!

"I find it hard to be saying this, but it looks like this year's crop of Atlantic drivers and teams may be even more competitive than last year. But the Red Bull cars are on the pace in all conditions and that's encouraging. Now we're back in Indy going over the data and putting together our programme for the next test in Houston."