De Ferran predicts tough challenge

The Brazilian, who was the runner-up in last year's Indy 500, completed a test at California Speedway on Monday in a 2001-spec Dallara chassis as the Marlboro-backed squad gears up for its maiden campaign.

"It won't be a walk in the park," said de Ferran. "We are going in uncharted waters, despite the fact that we did well at Indy. There's a lot for us to learn, especially the intricacies of the tracks.

"As a sportsman, I'm a true believer in Indy car racing. It is one of the most challenging forms of racing. I think Indy car racing is a great untold story. There is potential in our sport to reach fantastic heights.

De Ferran said he was happy with the way Monday's test session went.

"The performance has been OK," he added. "No big issues. It's a different engine than the CART car, so the car shakes differently and feels different, but it's not a big issue in my mind.

"Testing is very much like doing your homework. Some would classify it as boring, but I like it. There's no prize for the winter test season, so you need to make sure you are well prepared for the season."