Perera top rookie at Homestead

Franck Perera talks to reporters at Homestead

Gail Miller/AutoRacing1.com

It was quite a learning experience for the larger than normal rookie Indy Car class at the 1.5-mile Homestead-Miami Speedway Saturday night. Conquest Racing's Franck Perera, who graduated from the Champ Car Atlantic series, continued to demonstrate his talent ending up top rookie in 14th position and second of the transition teams behind Oriol Servia, who counts over 20 oval starts and ahead of Justin Wilson.

“It’s nice to finish the race," said Perera. "It was very tough, very long. I think it is the longest race I did in my life. It was good because I could fight with Oriol (Servia) who is also on one of the transition teams. I’m happy I brought the car back for the guys they did such a good job and it’s good for Conquest, now we can concentrate on the road course next week. I learned a lot tonight even if it was difficult out there with all the traffic. You don’t really know the driving style of the other drivers and when they come in a group they are so quick. But I was always staying in the clear line to not get in their way. Now we have to work on gaining more speed."