Sebring, FL – During the 2024 Test at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida. (Photo by Joe Skibinski | IMS Photo)
Palou impressively began his title defense by leading the test leaderboard. Photo: IndyCar – Joe Skibinski
A total of 15 drivers took to the track on Monday for the first day of testing ahead of the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series season.
Most teams were present at the short course in Sebring to prepare their cars for the opening round, which is less than two weeks away.
In total, 1,047 laps were completed, and Alex Palou set the fastest time, completing the 1.67-mile circuit in 52.0883 seconds.
The reigning champion initially placed third in the morning session but moved ahead of the competition in his DHL car with a new look during the hotter afternoon hours.
“Nowadays, we don’t have as many testing opportunities as we would like,” Palou said. “We always want more testing days, but it’s extremely important when we’re just a week and a half away from St. Pete.
“We want to address many of the engineering aspects that we’ve been considering throughout the offseason. We won’t have enough time, but it’s a chance to gather all the drivers, team, and crew and exchange ideas in person.”
Christian Lundgaard was just slightly slower than Palou, securing second place on the time sheets with his Honda RLL. Josef Newgarden finished in third place, representing the Chevrolet engines among the top performers.
Alexander Rossi completed more laps than any other driver, covering 89 laps with his three sets of Firestone tires, which were allowed per driver.
Jack Harvey took to the track with Dale Coyne Racing, even though he doesn’t have a confirmed seat for the upcoming season. He completed all his laps during the afternoon session.
The cars were set up to match what the drivers will use in the early rounds of the 2024 season.
Upgraded components, including a lighter Aeroscreen and a gearbox, were installed on all cars, but none of the hybrid powertrain components were added. These electrification parts are scheduled to be implemented in the second part of the upcoming season.
Most of the drivers who participated in Monday’s testing will step aside while their teammates take their turn on Tuesday.
One notable exception is Pato O’Ward, who took the wheel of David Malukas’ #6 car on the first day of testing while the young driver recovers from a broken wrist.
O’Ward will complete laps in his own #5 car on Tuesday, ensuring that both cars are ready for the first race on the streets of St. Petersburg on March 10.
He will be joined by the rest of the IndyCar field, including Will Power, Santino Ferrucci, and Romain Grosjean.
© 2024
