Armaan Ebrahim completes successful pre-season test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Armaan Ebrahim, the 22-year old Indian racing star, was second fastest during the two-day pre-season test with Indy Lights team Jensen Motor Sport at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway on October 29-30 as he targets either a Formula One or an Indy Racing League race seat in 2013.

For Armaan, who is in the process of finalizing a race seat in the 2012 Indy Lights series in the United States, it was a difficult decision to skip the inaugural Formula One Indian Grand Prix and opt for some invaluable track time while also acclimatizing to the car.

Armaan, who drove both days with old tyres, finished second overall when all cars were on old sets despite losing considerable amount of track time due to fuel pump and brake issues.

Originally, Armaan was to have tested with Bryan Herta Autosport team on October 29 and Jensen Motor Sport the following day. However, in the wake of the demise of their driver Dan Wheldon during a race in Las Vegas on October 16, BHA could not conduct the test as scheduled.

Armaan had tested with BHA in September when he completed over 100 laps at the Putnam Park Road course in Indianapolis.

Armaan said: “It was not easy to keep my mind focused as I was missing the inaugural Indian GP and an opportunity to meet the F1 teams.

Also, the passing away of Dan is still very much on everyone’s mind. But as a Racing driver, one has to deal with all situations and that is exactly what I managed to do by coming out on top at the end of the two days.

“The IMS Road circuit was a delight to drive on with the high speed banked corners. Unfortunately, my progress was hampered due to certain issues with the car on both days and I finally had a decent run in the last session where I was second fastest overall on old tyres.

“I was not able to use the new tyres in the last few minutes of the final session which could have helped my lap times even more.”

Armaan said he was in the process of finalising a contract for the 2012 Indy Lights season and a strong performance would provide him opportunities for an entry into Formula One or the IRL.

“We are all set now to finalize our contract for the 2012 Indy Lights season. The game plan is very clear and that is to do exceedingly well in the Indy Lights Series which will then put me in a position to secure a drive in 2013 either in F1 or in the Indy Racing League.

“It is pointless to attempt GP2 as there is no sponsorship available for a race seat with a top team. I have backing for an F1 or an Indy drive, but definitely not for GP2.”