Ilott to Test McLaren in Preseason IndyCar Hybrid Trials

4 months ago By Walter Thompson

British driver Callum Ilott has been selected to replace the injured David Malukas in pre-season testing at Aero McLaren Indycar. The test will be held at Homestead-Miami Speedway, giving Ilott a chance to familiarize himself with the car and team. If all goes well, Ilott may be invited to the first race of the season with car #6.

Malukas will need six to seven weeks of recovery from a wrist injury sustained in his mountain bike accident, meaning he will not be able to start the 2024 IndyCar season. Ilot expressed his condolences to Malukas and the team and thanked him for the opportunity to help.

Ilott recently adjusted a seat at Aero McLaren and will test with Pato O’Ward and Alexander Rossi. Although the final decision is yet to be made, Ilott is most likely to take the reins in the St. Petersburg race. Team principal Gavin Ward noted that he and the team are considering options for the No. 6 NTT Data Aero McLaren Chevrolet car while Malukus recovers.

Ilott, who recently ended his relationship with Juncos Hollinger Racing, could fill the vacant position at the first round of the IndyCar season. He is already under contract to ride in the 2024 WEC season, but has a gap in his schedule that coincides with the St. Pete race. Also, Ilott has the opportunity to be invited to the Thermal Club Million Dollar Challenge.

Aero McLaren have announced that Callum Ilott will replace the injured David Malukas in the team’s pre-season testing this week. Testing will be held at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and Ilott will get a chance to familiarize himself with the car and team when he is asked to race the No. 6 car in the season opener.

Malukas was scheduled to perform the weekend of March 10 in St. Florida. He made his debut in an Aero McLaren on the streets of St. Petersburg, but a week earlier he injured his wrist in a mountain bike accident.

Doctors estimate his recovery time will be six to seven weeks, giving him time to start the 2024 IndyCar season. “Obviously I’m very sorry for David [Maluccas] and the team,” Ilott said ahead of the Test. “It’s not easy to be in this position, especially right before the start of the season. I wish him the best and a speedy recovery.”

“I’m happy to help the team. It’s an honor to test with Aero McLaren this week. Thank you for watching me,” added Ilott. No decision has yet been made on Ilott’s participation in the St. Pete race, but it seems only a matter of time.

“We all wish David a speedy recovery and in the meantime we are working on some options with the No. 6 NTT Data Aero McLaren Chevrolet team,” said team principal Gavin Ward. “Callum completed his seat fit test last week and will be tested with us at Homestead. We look forward to working with him this week. Then hopefully we can strengthen our team for St Pete soon.”