During the second day of testing at Sebring International Raceway, the development schedule for IndyCar’s new IR-28 car has progressed with the first tests on a circuit known for its challenges. Alexander Rossi, driver for the ECR team with Chevrolet engines, has taken over testing on the Florida circuit, continuing with the evaluation of the vehicle that will debut at the beginning of the 2028 season.
The test at Sebring represents an important milestone, as it is the first time the IR-28 has been tested outside the Indianapolis tracks, where initial sessions were held in August and September. Alex Palou, the current series champion, completed a total of 43 laps on Monday, while Rossi completed 134 laps on Tuesday.
Critical testing at Sebring
Rossi and Palou, selected for testing at the two IMS configurations, have worked together with engineers from Dallara and IndyCar officials to evaluate the performance and reliability of the IR-28. Sebring, with its challenging surface, offers an exceptional opportunity for the team to understand how the car will perform under severe conditions, especially with a third of the 2026 schedule on urban circuits.
“Testing at Sebring is a great honor, and it’s exciting to be part of the new generation of IndyCar,” Rossi commented. The driver indicated that the circuit conditions are ideal for identifying potential weaknesses before the car competes.
Design and performance advantages
Drivers worked on identifying performance issues and gathered feedback on cockpit comfort and cooling. The IR-28 includes a new improved cooling solution, and Rossi noted that a significant change has been felt compared to previous tests in Indianapolis.
“Visually, it’s an amazing car and provides more grip in fast corners,” Rossi added, highlighting his test plan that focused on evaluating fundamental systems of the car over a two-day period.
The path to competition
As the competitive debut approaches, development follows a schedule that allows for tackling challenges and verifying improvements across a wide range of circuits. Each lap contributes knowledge to ensure the IR-28 can meet the requirements of a race weekend, thus providing the spectacle expected by fans.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
