LATEST INDYCAR HYBRID TEST Reveals ‘Minimal Challenges,’ Officials Report
From February 20-22, four IndyCar teams – Andretti Global, Arrow McLaren, Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) and Team Penske – will conduct important tests at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. With one driver per team participating each day, a total of 12 competitors completed 1,202 problem-free laps over 2,656 miles.
Team Penske’s Will Powere led 150 laps, with other drivers including Alex Pal (CGR), Colton Herta (Andretti), Kyle Kirkwood (Andretti) and Callum Ilott (Arrow McLaren) completing 100 laps. The tests highlighted the reliability and performance of the hybrid unit, and the drivers praised the experience.
IndyCar officials reported “minimal challenges” during the tests and emphasized that 1,202 laps were completed without any major problems. Arrow McLaren’s Alexander Rossi highlighted the number of laps completed and expressed his curiosity about the rules regarding the use of hybrid drivetrains, as the impact on race strategy is still unclear.
This hybrid unit is the result of a collaboration between Chevrolet and Honda and is based on the currently used 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. This innovation promises to bring a new dynamic to IndyCar racing with systems such as Engine Generating Units (MGU) and Energy Storage Systems (ESS).
The push-to-pass system is still available on mixed and street tracks with hybrid units, but the strategy for automatic or manual installation after energy recovery remains unclear. The uncertainty surrounding the rules adds even more excitement and strategy to teams and competitors.
Andretti Global’s Colton Herta emphasized that the hybrid drive allows drivers to make important decisions and makes racing more interesting. While there is still much to learn about this system, drivers are optimistic about how it will make racing more dynamic and predictable.
The official release date of the hybrid unit has not yet been confirmed, but another test is planned for March 28 and 29 at the Indianapolis track. This testing phase is important to ensure the technology is ready for an efficient and safe introduction to IndyCar racing.
Originally debuting at the season opener on March 10, IndyCar made the wise decision to postpone the introduction of the hybrid assist unit until after the Indianapolis 500 on May 26. This is to ensure a successful and uninterrupted rollout of the hybrid unit, as well as proper quality control testing of production components.
