Several Verizon IndyCar Series drivers were able to get behind the wheel today, as testing ramped up at Sebring.
Six teams participated in today’s on-track activity. Andretti Autosport had all four drivers on hand, and Schmidt Peterson Motorsports had both James Hinchcliffe and new teammate/fellow Canadian Robert Wickens. AJ Foyt’s new Brazilian duo of Tony Kanaan and Matheus Leist put in some laps, and RLL had both Graham Rahal and defending Indy 500 winner Takuma Sato. Sebastien Bourdais and Zachary Claman DeMelo tested for Dale Coyne, who still has the No. 19 seat to fill for the upcoming season. That will likely come down to Zachary or Jack Hawksworth.
Rahal Letterman Lanigan was the only team that had not tested the new aero kit for this season, but both Graham and Takuma saw plenty of action today. Graham was particularly excited about the appearance of the car, saying it was a “huge, huge step forward” for the series. Sato was able to show off the livery for his No. 30 Honda, which looks stunning.
Zach Veach was able to display the livery on his No. 26 Andretti machine, which is sponsored by Group One Thousand One. The team released a video earlier in the day showing off the new colors. Carlin Racing also took part in today’s test, with their two drivers, Max Chilton and Charlie Kimball. They tested on the oval at Homestead-Miami earlier in the week.
Carlin will continue testing tomorrow, along with Sato, who will have a half day. The next big test after that will come on February 5 at Sonoma, with the big Open Test at Phoenix taking place a few days later. For Bourdais, Hunter-Reay, and Rahal, they will now turn their attention to the Rolex 24 at Daytona this weekend, which begins at 3 PM ET on Saturday.
Below are some great photos from today’s test, courtesy of IndyCar.
Fastest 33 