Grapevine: Herbert Impresses in Indy Test

Former Grand Prix winner Johnny Herbert continued to show his quick adaptation to the oval circuits as he set the second fastest time in a testing session at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Driving for the Heritage Motorsports Indy Racing League team, the British driver finished the session ahead of last year's Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves after only ten laps, before being hampered by an engine problem. Herbert, who is hoping to land a seat for next year's race, admitted he was impressed by the circuit.

"It's pretty impressive, I have to say, to drive on it," said Herbert. "It gives me a much bigger sense of speed than I've ever felt before especially the way the wind was blowing going into Turn 3. It was getting pretty quick down into there.

"It was a good feeling for really what it's all about. What was fortunate about coming here was to just give me a good idea. I've always wanted to do the 500 for one, but obviously trying to get a deal together for the whole of the season.

"It just gives me a good picture in my mind of what exactly it's like eventually when you come back to race."