IndyCar: The first tests of the IR-28 car are going successfully.

      Last week we wrote that the IndyCar series introduced the IR-28 – a new generation car created by the Italian company Dallara. The index of the new chassis indicates that this technology will debut on racetracks in 2028, but the testing program for the car is already underway and will last until October, after which Dallara will begin its serial production.

      Powertrain manufacturers, i.e., Honda and Chevrolet, will receive prototypes of the IR-28 chassis either at the end of the year or at the beginning of 2027, and in the second quarter of next year, they are expected to present new hybrid systems. To ensure that the teams from the overseas series do not get distracted from the sporting tasks they will face next season, they will receive one such car only after the final stage of the 2027 championship.

      The first to test the new car in action was Alexander Rossi – the tests took place last Saturday at the famous racetrack in Indianapolis. Rossi, who won the Indy 500 race in 2016 and currently drives for Ed Carpenter Racing, completed 36 laps and then shared his impressions:

      “In the past, I have participated in presentations of new technology, and I can’t say that they went as smoothly as this time. This was made possible by the contribution of everyone involved in this project. We have all been waiting a long time for the new car – drivers, fans, the team, sponsors – and finally, it’s here. It feels like Christmas morning!

      It’s hard to make a full comparison yet, but everything that could be hoped for on such a day was achieved. It’s phenomenal that there was only one issue with the completely new car – we had to replace one of the sensors. And this is a testament to the tremendous work done by the specialists at Dallara and IndyCar.

      The car has many wonderful qualities that we haven’t even begun to uncover yet. But the start went incredibly well, and driving the IR-28 is a pleasure!”

      On Sunday, the testing of the new car at the Indianapolis racetrack continued with Alex Palou, a four-time IndyCar champion, who is confidently leading this season as well. The weather was rainy, but the Spanish driver managed to complete 35 laps.

      “Of course, I didn’t push to the limit like in qualifying, but I still pushed! Driving was quite enjoyable,” Palou shared with journalists. “The car leaves an increasingly pleasant impression; it feels more cohesive – I wouldn’t say it’s easier to drive, but I don’t have to fight with it as much. It seems to generate more downforce already. I was pleasantly surprised by the level of grip and downforce.

      It might be early to say this, but I think that with the IR-28, we will break records on most IndyCar tracks. You can immediately feel that this is a faster car.”