Drivers play down teething troubles

Several cars suffered mechanical problems during the weekend, and many drivers' races were spoilt by issues with the refuelling system.

But Paul Tracy - who lost a chance of victory when his car failed to take on fuel - was sanguine about the problems, saying they were an inevitable part of introducing a new car.

"Back in '99, '98, '97, we had a new car every year," he said.

"We'd have these niggling problems every year. You would have a gearbox issue, you would have this problem, wheel bearing problems, all kinds of things that you'd have to work your way through.

"So that's part and parcel with working with a brand new car.

"Obviously we've been able to get our car figured out for the most part mechanically. It's just today our fuel rig didn't want to put the fuel in the car. That's just one of those things that we need to work on."

Race winner Will Power is confident that the problems will rapidly be overcome.

"There's always little niggling problems," he said.

"All in all, it's pretty good. Surprising how little problems there are. I think after the first three races, I'd be surprised if anyone has any problems.

"I really enjoy driving it. It's a really nicely balanced car when you get it set up. I think Panoz did a real good job."

Tracy believes that the new car has also made overtaking easier.

"(With) the Lola on a track like this, where the corners are all kind of medium speed and aerodynamics are important, I don't think you could run as closely as Will and I ran together in the beginning of the race without really destroying your tyres and disturbing the car a lot," he said.

"When Will made the pass on me, we came out of the tunnel and through a fifth-gear, 160mph blind sweeper corner that's pretty tough to do flat when you're in the front.

"He was tucked right up behind my gearbox. That's the benefit of having the ground effects, the tunnel, doing the work, instead of all the wings.

"I think it's created much better racing."