KV Racing’s Moraes Has Impressive Test

Mario Moraes

KV Racing Technology driver Mario Moraes put on an impressive performance during two days of open testing, February 24-25, at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Florida.

Moraes, #5 KV Racing Technology Votorantim Honda/Dallara/Firestone, placed sixth on the combined speed charts with a fast time of 25.3842 seconds (210.603 mph). He was in the top-six in all four sessions run over the two days and in the top-five in three. He ended the first day fourth fastest and the second day fifth. Testing, which included a total of 21 cars, was conducted from 4:00 – 10:00 p.m. both days in an effort to give drivers and teams a feel for conditions on the 1.5-mile high-banked Homestead oval in anticipation of the season ending night race to be held here on October 10.

“KV Racing Technology had a good test. We were sixth overall, but in the top-five most of the time," Moraes said. “Both days we were not worrying about speed. We were concentrating on finding a good setup on the #5 KV Racing Technology – Votorantim car for the races."

Moraes went on to say, “It was great to be back in a race car after five months and to be with KV Racing Technology. I felt very comfortable with the team and it was fantastic to work with such an experienced group. From the engineering to the preparation of the car to the pit stops, I could not have asked for anything more. I learned a lot and I am pleased with what we achieved."

Moraes, 20, in his second IndyCar season, was sixth on the practice report prior to the dinner break (the “afternoon" session) on the first day of testing with a time of 25.5680 seconds (209.089 mph). The native of Brazil improved his time and speed to 25.4389 and 210.151 mph during the evening session moving him into fourth on the overall speed charts at the end of the first day.

On the second day Moraes was fifth in the afternoon session with a fast lap of 25.4828 seconds (209.789 mph). In the evening he posted his fastest lap of the test on the 69th of 146 laps he turned putting him fifth for the session and sixth on the combined report.

Commenting on the open test KV Racing Technology General Manager Mark Johnson said, “I am very happy with the way the open test went. We got all of our work done and both the team and Mario did a great job. I very pleased with the way things are progressing so far.