Franchitti fast on Homestead road course

The Team Kool Green Reynard-Honda driver tested out various suspension geometry, aerodynamic development and brake systems, putting in a best lap of 1m06.7s around the 2.17-mile circuit last Thursday and Friday. It was on Homestead's oval circuit around this time last year that he broke his pelvis, which had a serious effect on his 2000 season.

"I'm very happy that the car was quick and consistent," said Dario. "But we still have a lot of work to do before the season starts. We're still learning new things about the car and we need to keep learning as much as we can. We did a lot of laps out there and it was a good workout for me. The time I've spent in the off-season working on my strength and conditioning is showing in these gruelling tests."

Team Kool Green's team manager Kyle Moyer said: "We unloaded the car with a good set-up in place. We worked through a long list of test items and learned a lot about the car. The test also gave Dario plenty of laps to get back into a driving mode."

Franchitti will test again at Sebring International Raceway today (Monday), where he will be joined by team mate Paul Tracy.