Seen in Homestead

Several veteran IndyCar Series drivers attended the Open Test at Homestead-Miami Speedway to continue meeting with team principals in the hopes of securing a ride before the first race of the season on April 5.

Among those walking the paddock were race winners Ryan Hunter-Reay and Tomas Scheckter, as well as Bruno Junqueira, Oriol Servia and Jeff Simmons.

“It’s tough for the drivers, and it’s tough for the teams," Servia said. “I’d say the two best transition teams last year had to change their alignment, so it just shows how it is. It makes you wonder what we have to do. I’m here because I want to do this. I haven’t looked at any other series, because this is what I believe, and I believe in the product.

“Everybody has the perfect excuse right now with the (financial) crisis. It’s tough, but I still think there is room for open wheel even with the crisis. People still want to see us racing. We provide a good show, and I’m a good driver. That’s why I keep my hopes up that something good will happen.

“There’s a new project that’s really close to getting the green light, but every day there seems to be a little issue that it hasn’t happened yet. There are a couple other teams that as soon as they get something ready I’ll get the phone call, but it’s just tough."