Kanaan fastest on day 1 at Daytona

Kanaan was clocked at 1:12.2393 in the first open test for Honda's new 3.5-liter engine, increased from the previous 3.0 to accommodate the IRL's switch to 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol.

"I have to brag a little bit because I only have a few hours left and by tomorrow everyone will forget who was first today," Kanaan said.

"Honestly, it is good for the boys who worked all winter long trying to catch up. It's a good first day, and it will massage everyone's egos right now. I'm happy for my guys and it was a good day for us."

The fastest drivers did their usual last-minute show of speed, with Castroneves topping Dan Wheldon as the session neared its end, only to be topped by Kanaan with about two minutes remaining. Like other drivers, Castroneves was enthused by the new package.

"The power we have now is great," Castroneves said. "You have to be extremely careful with the tires now. With all this power and no traction control, you can spin it out pretty easily. It's much more fun to drive now."

Some drivers joked of rustiness after a nearly four-month layoff.

"I'm still learning how to drive the thing," Marco Andretti said. "It's been way too long for me. I thought it would be like getting back on a bike, but it's not that easy. I'm still struggling with it."

Also quick during Wednesday's test were Wheldon, Dario Franchitti, Sam Hornish Jr., Scott Dixon, Vitor Meira and Scott Sharp.

The test resumes Thursday at 10 a.m. ET.