David Martinez completes successful first test day

Even though it had been almost a year since David Martinez was behind the wheel of a Champ Car, today he proved that he is ready to compete against the top drivers in the Series alter completing a successful first day of testing at Sebring International Raceway which he lapped only a few tenths slower than the front runners.

Martinez used his first laps to get used to the car and the track before the team began their test plan in preparation for the race in Surfers Paradise, Australia. Halfway through the test an engine problem surfaced which kept him off the track for a few hours, and just as the car was ready to go the rain started which limited his track time even more.

Despite the problems Martinez managed to get back on track and turned a quick lap of 52.96s. The Forsythe Team used the test to teach the young rookie the different race techniques that he will use in Mexico and Australia like fuel saving, pit stops, qualifying simulations and standing starts.

The Mexican driver completed a total of 112 laps today and will continue with another full day of testing tomorrow alongside his teammate Paul Tracy.

David Martínez
#7 INDECK Cosworth/DP01/Bridgestone
Day 1 Sebring Test / 112 Laps / 52.96s
"It was a very productive day, we had a lot of problems but regardless we managed to complete the miles that we wanted. In the morning we had an engine problem, then the rain came and went, then came again. But finally we were able to complete many stints and I ended up only four tenths slower than Oriol (Servia) who was quickest here in pre season testing so I think it's a very good comparison. We are focusing on Australia, so really the team isn't very worried about being fast here as much as improving the setup for Australia and trying some different things. But your teammate is the best comparison that you have and for my first day I think I did really good.

Being able to compare myself against somebody like Oriol Servia is a great opportunity, I know that many drivers would do anything to be in my shoes right now. I'm in a great team with great teammates, tomorrow I will test alongside Paul Tracy so I will have the chance to absorb even more information and keep preparing myself for Australia and Mexico."

Brandon Fry, Chief Engineer
"We had a pretty good test today, there were a few interruptions but in general David did a great job. Considering that he hadn't been in a car in so long he managed to get up to speed right away and didn't make any mistakes. We worked a little bit on standing starts, qualifying runs, fuel saving and in every case he did a great job. Preparation for Australia and Mexico is going very well."