Franchitti encouraged by Sebring test

The Scot managed 191 laps of the 1.65-mile airfield circuit with his best effort timed at 51.62s. The team said that put Franchitti within 0.18s of winter testing pacesetter Tony Kanaan, though unofficial reports had Kanaan timed at 51.2 seconds.

"I can't believe how much we got done here at our first test," said the AUTOSPORT columnist. "I think this is the most I've run in one test at Sebring and it was great to get back in the car after a couple of months off.

"I really like the new car, especially the gearbox, which is a definite improvement from last year. Working with my new engineer Allen McDonald for the first time was also exciting and I think we learned a lot."

McDonald joined Team Green in the off season after five years at PacWest Racing.

"I really enjoyed working with Dario for the first time," said fellow Scot McDonald. "He has a clear sense of how he would like the car to work, and he is able to give good feedback after each run."

Franchitti won't be back in the car until February 9 when he runs at Laguna Seca as part of a four-day CART media event.