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Stars come out for Homestead test

The 2003 IRL IndyCar series testing season kicked off in earnest at Homestead on Wednesday with five of the championship's biggest teams hitting the track with their new car and engine combinations

CART convert Michael Andretti (Andretti Green Racing), reigning champion Sam Hornish Jr (Panther), double Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves (Penske), Al Unser Jr (Kelley), Vitor Meira and Jaques Lazier (both Menard) were all driving 2003 machinery for their respective teams. All were using Dallara's 2003 chassis with either Chevrolet, Honda or Toyota engines.

"I was able to run about 50 laps," said Andretti. "The car was really fast. The crew at Andretti Green Racing did an awesome job of preparing the Dallara, and the Honda engine was very strong. I like the design changes on the 2003 car. It's a lot nicer to drive, and it's even nicer with the Honda engine in it.

"I think this is a really good start for us. Unfortunately, we had a problem with the steering rack, which was installed a little too close for comfort, and I had to get out of the car after a while. But, in spite of that, I was very pleased with what we had out there today."

The teams completed 484 total laps on Homestead's 1.5-mile oval without any major problems reported.

Former Indy 500 winner Brack, who is also switching codes from CART in 2003 with Team Rahal, said: "We had a good, productive day today. We are working through our programme basically, and it is working well."

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