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Dan Wheldon gives 2012 IndyCar Dallara maiden test run at Mid-Ohio

IndyCar's new 2012 machine has been given its maiden test run at Mid-Ohio by Dan Wheldon

The two-time Indianapolis 500 winner drove the Dallara chassis, dubbed the IndyCar Safety Cell, fitted with a prototype road course bodykit by the Italian constructor and powered by a 2.2-litre Honda V6 engine.

Project manager Tony Cotman said he expects the racing to be different from next year thanks to the introduction of the new chassis.

"It's a lighter car, it has more horsepower and it has a lot less drag than the current car, so naturally on the right day it will go quicker and that's something that the fans have to look forward to," Cotman said.

"I think it also will provide a different type of racing with different engine manufacturers, too. I will be interesting, it will be exciting and it will be a bit of a change."

A new Dallara facility in Indianapolis where the design and production of the car will continue is nearing completion.

"We've spent a lot of time trying to incorporate all the elements the ICONIC Advisory Committee asked for - safety, lower cost, something that looks unique," Dallara's quality control leader Sam Garrett added.

"Our time has been focused on making the car safe and stable so that it is possible to put different bodywork styles on it to make it look unique."

Testing of the car, which is being conducted by the Bryan Herta Autosport team, will continue throughout the day.

Eleven further days of running are scheduled before teams receive their chassis next year.

The next test will take place at Texas Speedway at the end of September, again with Wheldon at the wheel.

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