Reigning IZOD IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti has called upon the series to do more to ensure that the new Dallara DW12 chassis that will be introduced for 2012 can be adapted to different driving styles.
The Target Chip Ganassi Racing driver did much of the initial running in the car for engine manufacturer Honda in November before handing it over to teammate Scott Dixon to continue testing through December, and said that while he was enjoying the challenge of coming to terms with the new car, he was concerned that it was not easily adaptable.
"I have really enjoyed working with Honda again; tweaking the bits and pieces and just working on all those areas that we know we need to get right to be competitive," said the Scot. "Working with the car has been a little more frustrating. Scott says that they are starting to make some progress now, but for me it is very important that the series allows us to fix the car, and work with the car, and not paint us into too tight a box.
"We're starting to fix the imbalances and stuff, but it is important that the series allows the latitude to adjust the car to different driving styles. It's one thing saying that everybody has got to drive the same stuff, but that's going to suit certain drivers and really hurt other drivers."
The series is preparing for its first engine war after several years of having a single engine supplier in Honda, and Franchitti said that he is relishing the chance to chase an early advantage when testing resumes in the new year.
"With the manufacturer race that's coming up with Lotus, Chevy and Honda, I am really excited about that part of it," he said. "It's going to be interesting to see who gets it right, who doesn't get it so right, and how close they are going to be matched."