New Panoz completes major test

Test driver Roberto Moreno completed 1,400 miles of running - the maximum permitted between engine rebuilds - during three days at a hot and humid Sebring this week.

"The Panoz DP01 has met our expectations easily while running in very adverse conditions," said Champ Car's director of technology Scot Elkins.

"Reliability was our primary goal for this test and I don't think we can overstate how well the car performed."

Moreno was equally satisfied with progress.

"I'm really impressed with this car," he said "I can't believe how consistent it stays throughout each long run as well as all day.

"We were only making minor changes to make the car a little more comfortable and I'm very happy with what we accomplished."

The test programme continues throughout next week.

The Champ Car teams have been invited to attend next Wednesday's test and see the new car in action for the first time.