source:
rocketsportsracing.com
Rocketsports drivers Alex Tagliani and Nelson Philippe took to the 1.032 mile
oval in the heart of Milwaukee for the first of a two-day test session involving
the majority of Champ Car World Series drivers.
Pole sitter of the 2003 Milwaukee Mile, Alex Tagliani was second quickest of the
day posting a lap time of 20.9 seconds without the use of the "push-to-pass"
boost. Tagliani, who finished fifth here last season, was pleased with the test
results and performance of the No. 8 Johnson Controls Lola.
"This was the first test on an oval for the 2004 Rocketsports team and we were
among the quickest. Things look great with the team and the set-up of the car
was effective," said Tagliani. "I had to fight some over-steer, but now is the
time to work on that and any other foreseeable problems with time to prepare the
car, rather than in the race weekend.
"The cool conditions were perfect for testing since the Milwaukee race is a
night race. We had some good speed and I'm confident the car will qualify well
here when the time comes," said Tagliani with a look ahead to the June 5th race.
Adding to the string of 'firsts' in his career, Rookie sensation Nelson Philippe
in the No. 17 LeasePlan Lola, today ran a Champ Car on an oval for the first
time. While Philippe is familiar with the Milwaukee Mile from his Barber Dodge
days, his experience in a 750 horsepower Champ Car was positive, and left the
French teenager eager to compete with the full field on the historic ring.