Indycar: Open Test marks the start of the preparation for Indy 500

Indycar: Open Test marks the start of the preparation for Indy 500


Dixon and McLaughlin lead tests, while the accidents of Larson and Sato Mark intense prepared for the main race of the season.




The party began: Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) was the scene of the Indy 500 Open Test on 23 and 24 April 2025, a crucial event for the 34 riders recorded at the 109th edition of Indianapolis 500, scheduled for two days. For two days, the teams tested the new hybrid systems, adjusted the cars and obtained the best 2.5 mile iconic oval performance. The test was marked by technical challenges, accidents and impressive performances, giving a taste of what is coming.

The first day of test on Wednesday began with a setback. A problem of internet connectivity has delayed the start of activities in almost three hours, temporarily limiting Indycar’s timing and communication systems. After solving the problem, the pilots finally went to the track, with veterans sessions, rookie orientation program and updates tests for expert drivers.

Scott Dixon, of the Ganassi racing chip, finished the day as the fastest, which extends to 225,182 mph. The winner of Indy 500 of 2008 passed the two -stroke champion and the current winner Josef Newgarden, who recorded 225,125 mph. Dixon highlighted the importance of adapting to the hybrid system, used for the first time in the Indy 500, and the need to respect a large list of checks during the tests. “It is the first time with the hybrid here, which adds interesting elements,” said New Zealand.



The first day of testing faster, Scott Dixon is looking for his second triumph at Indy 500

Among the novices, Jacob Abel, Louis Foster and Robert Shwartzman have completed the novelty orientation program, while drivers like Kyffin Simpson hit the amount of laps, for a total of 85

Already on Thursday, the test gained intensity with the simulation of the conditions of classification, as well as at Fast Friday (Friday before the classification on Saturday), in which the teams used extra enhancement, similar to what will be used in qualifications. Scott McLaughlin of Team Penske guided the speeds with an impressive return of 232,686 mph, followed by Takuma Sato (232,565 mph) and Will Power (232,278 mph). Felix Rosenqvist and Alex Palou completed the top 5, while Dixon, Kyle Kirkwood, Colton Herta, Josef Newgarden and Kyffin Simpson closed the top ten.

However, the day was marked with two significant accidents. Kyle Larson, a Nascar driver who tries to complete the double (Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day), suffered his first accident in an Indycar car. During the morning session, Larson lost control in curve 1 due to a configuration that caused Understanding, crashing the wall and damaging the McLaren arrow car. Despite the fear, he was unharmed and was assessed at the Circuito Campo hospital and then released. “I was happy to face my first accident in Indycar and survive,” Larson joked, who did not return to the track for the rest of the day.

A few minutes after Larson’s accident, Takuma Sato, a twice Indy 500 sample, had an accident at curve 1 Sato reported feeling “a little pain”, but he said he was fine and expects to be 100% in a week.



Takuma Sato observes his car after the accident

The introduction of hybrid systems, which debuts in the test in 2025, was one of the main objectives of the test. The hybrid units, implemented to Indycar, mid -season, add the weight of the car and require specific strategies for the regeneration of energy and the use of enhancement during the race. Pilots like Alex Palou, who led the session of Thursday afternoon with 223,993 mph, underlined the importance of making the car comfortable in different conditions. “We are learning how the hybrid affects balance and efficiency,” said Spanish.

Helio Castroneves, who is looking for his fifth victory at Indy 500 with Meyer Shank Racing, observed that some rivals with Chevrolet engines were “playing” with the settings to mask their real performance. “They are playing, but we know what we have to do,” said the Brazilian.

In addition to the leaders, other drivers have attracted attention. Marco Andretti, in his 20th participation in Indy 500, used the test to prepare with Andretti Global, while Nolan Siegel of Arrow McLaren celebrated a first positive day after being left outside the race last year. Graham Rahal by Rahal Letterman Lanigan described the test as “solid” and Tony Kanaan, director of Arrow McLaren, expressed enthusiasm: “This is the temple. We live for this.”

Source: Terra

You may also like