Former Formula 1 racer Alexander Rossi has managed to quickly adapt to IndyCar’s DW12 machine during his first test at Sebring, where he was joined by fellow rookie Spencer Pigot.
The duo were also joined by their respective team-mates during the two-day test, including the Team Penske quartet.
During the test both Rossi and Pigot were able to attain their first taste of IndyCar’s Firestone tyres, which Rossi in particular described as a major learning curve during his first day in the car.
"The first set of tyres was a bit of a learning experience, but I think by mid-morning yesterday we were on pace with everyone else," explained Rossi, who will drive the No. 98 Andretti Autosport.
"The adaptation came pretty quick, now it's just working on test items. I think we're pretty pleased with the way the team has come together and performed as a whole.”
Rossi will compete alongside an experienced band of team-mates during the 2016 season, including former series champion and Indianapolis 500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay.
Despite competing in Europe since 2008, moving up the motorsport ladder in categories such as GP3, GP2 and even F1, Rossi found IndyCar’s DW12 machine rather similar to the other cars he has driven throughout his career.
This enabled the Californian racer to adapt quickly during the test, leaving him exceptionally eager to race his Honda-powered machine in anger when the season gets officially underway next weekend at St. Petersburg.
"It's been a positive day and a half, so far," continued Rossi. ”The car is pretty similar to other things I've driven. There's quite a bit of downforce, which is fun for a driver to have. At the end of the day, it's an enjoyable car to drive and I'm looking forward to racing it next week.”
Meanwhile reigning IndyLights champion Spencer Pigot enjoyed an equally fulfilling two days at Sebring, relearning the intricacies of the DW12 car.
Although it wasn’t his first true taste of IndyCar machinery, Pigot spent much of his time outside the car in discussion with team-mate Graham Rahal and engineer Neil Fife.
“I’m really enjoying working with everyone and we've really improved the car over the last two days," said Pigot, who will compete at St. Petersburg, the Grand Prix of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis 500.
"There's a lot of things for me to get used to with the car and the way the team operates, but they've been doing a great job getting me comfortable.”
"Even though I've driven a car before, it's been so long since that test day that I had to re-learn everything anyway. The amount of speed you can carry through the corners because of the downforce and the grip of the tyres is really impressive."
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