Rookies Xandi Negaro, Franck Perera and Carl Skerlong all had their first taste of ChampCar machinery this week.

Brazilian Negrao, 22, had two days of running with Rocketsports at Houston's MSR raceway, racking up 150 laps.

"Over the last two days, I learned how to drive a big and powerful race car, said Negrao, who has spent the last three years racing in GP2.

"It took a little time for me to get used to the track, because it offered different challenges to what I am used to driving on in Europe.

"But every time that I went out on there, I was able to learn more and more about the track and the car, ultimately making this test a success.

"The Rocketsports team gave me great support throughout the three days that I have been here in Houston with them.

"I am just so happy with the overall experience, that I would like to thank the team again for this opportunity and I hope that we will be able to work together more in the future.

Frenchman Perera, a graduate of the ChampCar Atlantic Series, was running with Forsythe/Pettit, but unlike Negrao, had only one day to prove his worth.

Another ChampCar Atlantic driver Carl Skerlong, 19, (pictured) was in action at the Buttonwillow raceway in California, completing 107 laps for Pacific Coast.

His mistake-free run impressed team director Tyler Tadevic.

"Carl did an outstanding job in his first outing in the PCM Champ Car," said Tadevic.

"His speed improved progressively throughout the day, and his feedback and ability to adapt not only to the extra horsepower but also to all of the additional features and functions of the Champ Car were impressive. Carl proved that he will certainly be ready to step up to big leagues in 2009."

Mexican David Garza had been due to join Skerlong at the track, but was prevented from doing so by clashing college exams.

Jamie O'Leary / Eurosport