Indy baptism for Junqueira and Minassian

Junqueira and Minassian took their maiden laps at the famous Speedway, which was also their first taste of the team's new IRL-spec, British-built G Force cars, which are powered by Aurora engines. The pair of drivers will attempt to qualify for the 85th Indianapolis 500 on May 27 for the team that took Juan Montoya to victory last season.

"They came over here and walked around in awe," said team manager Mike Hull. "They went to a photo shoot in their racesuits and paid their money while they were over there to go to the [Speedway Hall of Fame] museum."

Junqueira is well aware of the history of America's biggest single-seater race.

"When I was young, I watched Emerson Fittipaldi racing here," he said. "At that time, I was kart racing. I had a [computer] game called Indy 500 and I played it a lot. Now, here I am, and it's more difficult than the game! I thought Turns One and Three might be difficult and Turns Two and Four would be easy, but all four corners are challenging."

Minassian was also impressed by his first laps around the venue: "It's awesome. It's very different from what I've done before. It's a very special oval, as well as very fast. I'm really proud to be here. Last year, I couldn't think about being here."

The team didn't give lap times or speeds, but the drivers logged 400 miles each in the day-long private test session.

"I'm already feeling comfortable," added Junqueira said. "It's my first time on a big oval, and I like it."

Both drivers have moved to Indianapolis to be close to the Ganassi team's shops, and last year's FIA F3000 title combatants have a healthy rivalry off-track, too.

"We're competitive," said Minassian. "You know, the first to do this, the first to do that. We played tennis and he beat me. That won't happen again."

The next step for the Ganassi drivers is to complete the annual Rookie Orientation Program, which is scheduled April 13-14. The race itself is held on May 27.