INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Brahma Sports Team drivers Raul Boesel and Scott Pruett conducted a three-day tire test last week in Sebring, Fla. with the new Lola T9700.

This was the first time that both drivers had a opportunity to run the new car for any extended period of time.

Pruett had done a shakedown run with the car in Memphis on November 19-20, ten days after the team had taken delivery but had done little more than a systems check.

Pruett ran the car, which is powered by a Ford/Cosworth XD at 40 inches of boost to conform to the '97 rules, for the first two days (400 miles) of the test. Boesel took over on day three and ran 170 miles.

According to Team Manager Steve Newey, "The test went very well. Both drivers did an excellent job and the new Lola looks very promising. The new rules give the car less downforce, but even with less downforce we felt the T9700 was well balanced. We were as quick as we have ever run at Sebring in the past."

For Boesel it was his first time in the new car and he said, "The car felt good. We made a few changes and the results were quite good."

Boesel also commented on some of the rule changes for '97, "Because of the rule changes there is less downforce so we have less grip. But the car wasn't really loose or pushing. It is a friendly car, a car we can work with." Boesel also noted that, "The comfort level of the car is better because the cockpit is wider. The vision is a little strange because the sides of the cockpit are higher but it is just something I need to get used to."

The Brahma Sports Team will conduct its next tire test December, 14 and 15, on the Homestead oval.

Brahma Brewery Corporation, the leading Latin American brewery and the fifth largest in the world, joined Patrick Racing in October to form the Brahma Sports Team in October.

Brahma Brewery Corporation, founded in 1888, entered IndyCar Racing in 1996. The company makes 30 brands of beer and 16 brand of soft drinks. It holds a 50% market share in Brazil.

Brahma Sports Team, owned by U.E. "Pat" Patrick, is one of the most successful teams in IndyCar racing. Founded in 1970 the team has 36 wins, the highest total of any team in Indy car history, 197 top five and 303 top ten finishes.

Source: IndyCar News Service