CART: Gil de Ferran Fastest at Sebring Test

15 January 1999

Walker Racing Test Report

Driver: Gil de Ferran Auto Channel Archive

Car: # 5 Valvoline/Cummins Special Honda Reynard 98
Track: Sebring, FL
Test days - January 12th & 13th , 1999
Miles ran: 361 miles ( 2 days )
Test: Goodyear tires test
Best Lap Time: 51.4 ( fastest )
Atmospheric conditions: 70 F / blue sky / light wind.

Other drivers also testing :
Al Unser Jr. (Penske Team - Mercedes/Penske/Goodyear/99)
Tony Kanaan (Tasman Motorsports - Honda/Reynard/Firestone/99)
Michel Jourdain Jr. (Payton Coyne - Ford Cosworth / Lola/ Firestone/99)
J.J.Letho (Hogan Racing - Mercedes/Lola/Firestone/99)
Tarso Marquez (Payton Coyne -Ford Cosworth/ Reynard/Firestone/98)

Walker Racing Team:

Team Owner - Derrick Walker " A useful test, car ran well and we were pleased to get through our hit list. The primary objective was to test for Goodyear and we were very encouraged by the work that been done so far. No doubt there is a lot more to be done but were are making good progress."

Engineer - Bill Pappas - " We ran seven separate tests for Goodyear, 361 miles with no problems. They modify their procedure; doing more in-depth evaluation now and giving us more time to optimize the performance of the car. Goodyear is working harder then ever, Im very impressed with the engineer they sent for this test."

Driver - Gil de Ferran: " Very satisfied, it's nice to be back! We had several long runs and the tires are very durable. I'm very pleased with the progress of Goodyear. What we learned here, will carry over to the new car. After the race in Australia this is my first significant test and it was very successful. I'm very excited and looking forward to continue our test program."

Next Test is scheduled at Homestead, FL - January 16-18th, 1999. Shake Down New Car: #5 Valvoline/Cummins Honda Reynard 99.

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