G Force squads join major test

G Force drivers Tomas Scheckter (Ganassi Racing) and Felipe Giaffone (Mo Nunn Racing) joined the Dallara posse that included reigning champion Sam Hornish Jr (Panther Racing) and double Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves (Team Penske).

"Everything so far on the G Force-Toyota is going well," said Scheckter. "It's gone well for me. We're just working at it and making changes. We're just finding what the car does when we do certain changes to it."

Giaffone said: "It was basically a shakedown day, as this is the very first day we have run the 2003 Panoz G Force. We got in about 50 laps just to get a feel for what the car likes and doesn't like and to get a feel for the new Toyota engine. I really like the engine. The power curve and the driveability are really nice."

Buddy Rice also tested his 2003 Cheever Racing Dallara-Chevrolet for the first time, while Andretti Green Racing's Tony Kanaan took over from Michael Andretti.

Kanaan said: "It was the first time I'd driven a Dallara, and it's different than a G Force, but I felt really comfortable. The engine is different. I think we have more power. The car is producing more downforce, and I was quite happy about that.

"It's my first test with Andretti Green Racing ever, and I was very pleased with what we accomplished. I think we have a good starting point for the season," he added.