Autosport

Bruce Martin

Max Chilton says he was faster than he thought he would be during his first IndyCar test with Chip Ganassi Racing.

The former Marussia Formula 1 and Nissan LMP1 driver will move into the series as Ganassi's fourth driver in 2016, following a season in Indy Lights.

He turned his first laps in the Chevrolet-powered machine he will race this year during a test at Sonoma Raceway on Wednesday.

"It's a bit of a shock today," Chilton said.

"I haven't been in a racing car in six months and that was an Indy Lights car, so I've got to learn the track today and the car.

"But I think the morning went swimmingly well. I was quicker than I thought I would be.

"It's a really nice kit and I can't wait to explore it throughout the season."

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The 24-year-old was one of six drivers in action at the Californian circuit, joined by Ganassi team-mates Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan and Charlie Kimball, and Penske's Helio Castroneves and Simon Pagenaud.

"Any time we can get on the track is valuable," reigning champion Dixon said.

"We get such limited days, so we have a long list of stuff to go through whether it's the new 2016 brakes, some new aero pieces, some mapping for the engine, and a lot of unanswered questions we have as a team.

"We could probably spend about a week out here and still have a list of stuff to go through. It's great to be back in Sonoma."