Stoffel Vandoorne and Nyck de Vries were among a group of drivers that completed an IndyCar test session at Sebring International Raceway on Monday.
It was the first time either driver had been behind the wheel of an IndyCar, with De Vries labeling it an ‘absolute honor’ to be testing with the reigning Indy 500 winning team.
De Vries was driving the #60 Meyer Shank Racing Honda around the bumpy Florida circuit, with the car’s current driver Helio Castroneves on hand to provide a veteran’s support for the 26-year-old Dutch driver.
Vandoorne was sampling the Arrow McLaren SP machinery in a one-off test session that could see the two team up when the team expands to a third car, expected in late in 2022 or 2023.
Joining them at the test session were Jack Aitken driving with Ed Carpenter Racing, and Callum Ilott driving with Juncos Hollinger Racing.
Aitken was also gaining his first experience behind the wheel of an IndyCar, and was possibly being evaluated to slot into the #20 entry for next season.
Ed Carpenter Racing recently lost its US Air Force sponsorship, and a renewed deal with Conor Daly for the road and street course events is not certain at this time.
Juncos Hollinger Racing, on the other hand, has already committed to Ilott for the 2022 season, and used the day as a traditional test session leading up to the first full IndyCar season for both team and driver.
Ilott and Juncos teamed up for the final three races of 2021 as well, and used those weekends as way to better prepare for the upcoming season.
Lap times and statistics for the test were not readily available on account of the session being a private test, but De Vries reportedly set the fastest time of the day.
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