The five-time champion of the IndyCar Series, Alex Palou, is preparing to participate in the Chris Griffis Memorial Test next Friday, October 16, at the road course of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In this event, the driver will set aside his usual high-performance single-seater to drive an Indy NXT, contributing to the improvement and evaluation of his team’s vehicle, Chip Ganassi Racing.
Palou will drive the number 11 vehicle of the Indy NXT, and he has acknowledged that moving from a top-tier car to a development one represents a challenge. “It will be difficult,” noted the Spanish driver, who explained the differences between the current machinery and the one he will drive during the test, highlighting the variation in aerodynamic downforce and other characteristics.
Although it may be challenging to adapt at first, Palou has remained optimistic since his experience with the IMS circuit gives him an advantage. “I know what the track is like, so that will make it easier,” he commented. Additionally, he recalled his early experiences in similar vehicles and how, despite being a rookie for this test, he can benefit from the knowledge accumulated over the years.
Palou will share the track with a varied lineup of drivers, including NXT race winner Alessandro de Tullio, and other drivers like Alexander Korieba and Frankie Mossman, while driver Carson Etter recovers from surgery. The test day will be open to the public, allowing fans to enjoy the activity at the circuit.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
