Lotus First Test A Success

KV Racing Technology – Lotus and drivers Takuma Sato and E. J. Viso had a successful first test in preparation for the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series season today at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama.

Today's test was a "shakedown" with both drivers running approximately 100 miles in an effort to "knock some of the rust off" prior to the IZOD IndyCar Series Open Test on March 14-15, also at Barber.

"KV Racing Technology - Lotus had a successful test and I am extremely pleased with the job Team Manager Tom Wurtz and his entire staff did today," said KVRT - Lotus General Manager Mark Johnson. "This was our first pre-season test and first with Tom running the show. It went off without a hitch as would be expected of someone with his experience.

We started off a little slow with a couple of spins, but finished the day strong."

Sato, who will be driving the No. 5 KV Racing Technology – Lotus Honda/Dallara/Firestone car in his second IndyCar season both with KVRT – Lotus, said, "It was nice to get back in the car again especially since it has been a long time since we were last on a road course. This was a shakedown test, so we had limited mileage, but we were able to evaluate a few items before the open test at Barber in two weeks, which is important. It was also good to get back to work with the team. We have a few new faces so it was good to get together. We still have to look at the data, but overall I feel it was a very successful test."

Viso, behind the wheel of the No. 8 PDVSA – KV Racing Technology – Lotus Honda/Dallara/Firestone entry, is entering his fourth IndyCar season, second with KVRT – Lotus and first with Lotus livery said, ""This was the first test of the season for the KV Racing Technology – Lotus team and I am very excited with how things went. We made a lot of progress with all the things we tested and are definitely in a better position heading into the open test at Barber in two weeks. The atmosphere with the team is very positive. Everybody is working hard as we get ready for the season, so I feel good about the way things are going."

The 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series season opens March 25-27 with the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the streets

of St. Petersburg, Florida.