Barrichello fastest KV driver

Barrichello immediately fast in an IndyCar

The KV Racing Technology trio of Rubens Barrichello, E. J. Viso and Tony Kanaan concluded their second and final day of IndyCar Spring Training at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida.

Barrichello led the way for KVRT and was the fastest Chevrolet powered driver participating in the two-day test. He placed third on the practice report both days with a best time of 52.2228 seconds (115.122 mph) which he recorded on Thursday. A total of 15 drivers participated in the two-day test session. Barrichello, 39, who signed with KVRT on March 1, is a veteran of 19 Formula One seasons. Driving the No. 8 BMC | Embrase – KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone machine, Barrichello’s best lap was on Friday, in much warmer conditions (52.2242 seconds, 115.119 mph). The talented and extremely popular Brazilian, the only driver in F1 history to make 300 or more starts with 322, scored 11 wins and finished second in the championship in 2002 and 2004.

“We were able to run a good amount of laps yesterday and look at some different setups," Barrichello said. “We also practiced pit stops which will serve me well. I was able to see how the car reacts coming in on warm tires and leaving on cold tires and seeing where to position the car, all things that are very different to what I am used to. Overall though, we have had a very good two days of testing.

Viso, entering his fifth IndyCar season and third with KVRT, was the first driver to officially sign with the team (February 27). The 26-year-old Venezuelan, in the No. 5 CITGO | PDVSA – KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone entry, finished the test with a fast lap of 52.6317 seconds (114.228 mph) which he achieved Thursday (seventh fastest time). His fastest lap Friday was 52.7951 seconds (113.874 mph) placing him 10th. Viso, a dedicated rising young star in the series, has made 67 career IndyCar starts with a career high third on the oval at Iowa in 2010 and a street/road course best fourth at St. Petersburg in 2008 in just his second IndyCar start.

“I think Friday was an extremely productive day," Viso said. “We answered most of the questions we had from yesterday and ran consistent lap times even with the hot track temperatures. I am just looking forward to the next test."

Kanaan, who will be contesting his 15th U. S. based open-wheel season, 11th in the IndyCar Series and second with KVRT, is driving the No.11 GEICO | MOUSER ELECTRONICS – KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone car. The 37-year-old Brazilian recorded the 12th fastest lap Friday with a time of (52.9195 seconds, 113,607 mph). Kanaan logged the 10th fastest time Thursday (53.2012 seconds, 113.005 mph). The 2004 IndyCar Series champion and perennial championship contender is one of, if not the, most popular drivers in the series. Kanaan has made 149 IndyCar starts (242 career) earning 14 wins (15 career), 11 poles (15 career) and holds the series record for most consecutive IndyCar starts with 148.

Commenting on his day, Kanaan said, “Although we couldn’t fix the issues we experienced Thursday, we were able to work on other areas of the GEICO | MOUSER ELECTRONICS car and make the day productive. I am looking forward the next test and the start of the season."