Honda Dominates IndyCar Testing at Sebring, Grosjean's Future with DCR Sparks Buzz!
In a thrilling display of speed and strategy, the IndyCar paddock descended upon the Sebring International Raceway for an exhilarating two-day test session that set the stage for the upcoming season. As teams fine-tune their machines, Honda emerged as the clear frontrunner, capturing the spotlight with impressive track times that left fans and competitors buzzing.
During the first day of testing, reigning champion Alex Palou roared to the top of the charts, clocking the fastest time in his Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. Hot on his heels was Felix Rosenqvist from Meyer Shank Racing, showcasing the remarkable strength of Honda power. The momentum continued into the second day, where Honda drivers dominated once more. Marcus Armstrong, Kyle Kirkwood, and legendary Scott Dixon claimed the top spots, solidifying Honda's prowess on the notoriously bumpy Sebring circuit.
However, it wasn’t just Honda who made waves. Rinus VeeKay from Ed Carpenter Racing showed remarkable skill, securing a commendable third-fastest time on Day One and maintaining a strong presence in the top 10 on Day Two. Meanwhile, Team Penske drivers also flexed their muscles, with all three securing places in the top five at various points during the test. Scott McLaughlin, who finished fifth on the second day, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “Great two days at Sebring. Not my favorite place in the world, but it was a better test day than I’ve ever had here. Really nice. Got a good read on a lot of things.”
The Sebring test wasn’t just about speed; it was also a tantalizing glimpse into the future of IndyCar. Fans were on the edge of their seats as Romain Grosjean made his return to the track, testing with the second entry of Dale Coyne Racing. This French sensation, who previously raced for DCR in 2021, has been absent from the grid but is now rumored to be on the brink of a major announcement regarding his 2026 season plans. Grosjean was spotted deep in conversation with team owner Dale Coyne, fueling speculation that he might be the driver for the yet-to-be-named DCR entry.
Adding to the intrigue, Hunter McElrea, the 2023 IndyNXT runner-up, took a spin in the #20 ECR Chevy, despite Alexander Rossi already securing that ride for the full season. Is McElrea positioning himself for a part-time deal, or is he simply keeping his skills sharp for a potential opportunity? The paddock is abuzz with possibilities!
On a less optimistic note, the absence of PREMA Racing loomed large over the testing sessions. After just one season in IndyCar, the team is widely believed to be exiting the series. Drivers Callum Ilott and Robert Shwartzman were notably missing, leaving questions about the team's future direction. Speculation is rife that PREMA may not participate in the upcoming races or even the open test at Phoenix International Raceway next week.
As the excitement builds for the IndyCar season, one thing is clear: the Sebring test has set the stage for a fiercely competitive year ahead! Keep your eyes peeled, as the drama unfolds and the stories of triumph and turmoil continue to surface. The roar of engines is just the beginning of what promises to be an electrifying season!








