Albers impresses in test

The Dutchman ran for more than a 100 laps and set competitive times in a car liveried in his personal sponsor Trust.

"I went immediately flat out to find the limits," he said. "Though that was quite hard in the beginning, I could soon find my rhythm. My lap times in both the morning and the afternoon sessions were competitive."

Albers, who is still thought to be pursuing options in F1 with Jordan and Minardi, was joined at the test by compatriot Nicky Pastorelli. It was the Euro F3000 champion's first run in a Champ Car.

"The power was huge, but very controlled," said Pastorelli. "It is a fun car to drive, but a very serious race car, it is almost an F1 car."

Walker Racing, which will switch to Lola chassis next year having abandoned its old Reynards, is planning to expand to a two-car squad full-time in 2005, having run guest drivers like Australian David Besnard at some events this year.

"The Champ Car World Series continues to be one of the best formulas in the world," said team owner Derrick Walker. "The areas of focus for 2005 are an upgrade to the Lola chassis and expanding back to a two-car programme with a competitive driver" said Walker.

Also at the test Estonian Toyota Atlantic driver Tonis Kasemets had his first Champ Car run with Dale Coyne Racing while another DTM driver Jarek Janis had another outing with Forsythe Racing.