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Panther Racing completed its final test prior to the 2007 season with the conclusion of testing Thursday night at Homestead Miami Speedway. The team now sets its sights on returning to the 1.5-mile oval in three weeks for the season opener, under the lights, at Homestead on March 24th.
Meira led the team on the speed chart this week with a best lap of 212.719 mph, 25.1318 seconds. Matsuura, in his second test with the No. 55 Panasonic team, finished the day with a top lap of 212.219 mph, 25.1909 seconds.
New Super Aguri Panther Indy Pro Series driver Hideki Mutoh posted the fastest overall lap during Tuesday’s road course portion of the IPS test with a lap of 104.470 mph. Mutoh returned on Thursday for only his second time on an oval track and finished seventh on the speed chart with a lap speed of 185.425 mph.
Vitor Meira Quote:
“I’m really excited about starting the season. The Delphi Panther guys worked hard this weekend and I’m so glad that I’ve got so many of the same guys back from last year. My main goal is for us to start the season this year like we ended it last season. I think we are ready to make a run for this championship. â€
Kosuke Matsuura:
“It’s good to be with Panther. It’s our second test together and the last two days have been very positive for our communication – which has been a lot better. The changes are getting finished a lot quicker. We’ve still got too much drag in the car and only put up one good lap, but I know we will be good for the race. â€
Hideki Mutoh:
“I had a lot of fun today on the oval. I enjoyed learning how to drive in the draft and work with my car. I think it was a very productive test today, especially for training on how to be towed by other cars and how to run in traffic. All through this open test in Homestead it was a great learning curve and I feel a little more confident about starting this season. I’m looking forward to coming back for the race. â€
