Alexander Rossi and Tony Kanaan revelled in their "challenging" experience of the Circuit Of The Americas at a recent tyre test for IndyCar's sole supplier Firestone.
The Californian driver has previous experience of the circuit after his brief run with the Manor Marrusia team in the latter part of the 2015 Formula 1 season, finishing 12th on that occasion in sodden conditions.
IndyCar's 2018 runner-up also feels the fans will get to enjoy a lot of close racing and get some incredible access around the Texas venue when IndyCar races there in March.
"To be an American driver that is associated with COTA and to be here really from Day 1 is something cool to have as part of my history," he told IndyCar.com
"You can expect a lot more fun and a lot more access, that’s the big thing. In Formula One, you’re watching some of the fastest race cars on the planet, but there’s a big discrepancy between first and 20th.
"In IndyCar, the top 15 maybe within seven-or eight-tenths of a second. That guarantees a great show, no matter what.
"Beyond that, the fans get up close to the cars and the drivers and interact on a different level and build a connection with the drivers and the teams, which is unique to INDYCAR and something we pride ourselves on."
"It’s cool that INDYCAR is coming here. It’s really the best that the premier racing series in North America is racing at one of North America’s premier venues."
43- year old Kanaan had been eager for years to get to drive this circuit in an IndyCar and is happy he did after getting his runs in for AJ Foyt Racing, describing the circuit as a huge 'challenge'.
"I came to the first Formula One race and went up on the tower (observation deck) and watched the first (practice) session," added the Brazilian. "I’ve always wanted to test here. Every year, I ask the team if we could come here to test. We finally made it."
"I didn’t know what to expect, but it’s very fun and very challenging. The blind corners, especially going up the hill (for Turn 1), especially. When you’re watching from the outside, you think, ‘Yeah, it looks steep,’ but from inside the car, it looks steeper.
"Trying to find my way there, it was like, ‘Whoa, where’s the apex?’ After you get used to it, it’s a lot of fun. It’s a braking zone that every time you think you can go quicker, but then when you try harder, it’s too much."
The COTA circuit will host IndyCar's only official test days on February 12-13. The Texas road course will then host the second race of the 2019 IndyCar schedule on March 24.
The season opens with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 10.
