Nearly every driver on the IndyCar grid was at Iowa Speedway on Thursday taking part in a hybrid power unit test session.
The test served as a hybrid systems test and also as an evaluation of the track’s newly repaved surface.
After completing laps in the afternoon and again in the evening hours, which simulates the time frame of July’s races, drivers had mostly good opinions of the new track surface.
The repaved sections are very smooth, which has led to very low amounts of degradation on the Firestone tires and quicker lap times.
There was also a clear advantage to running in the lower groove through the corners, which could potentially make for difficult passing during the event. Although opinions were split on if that would be different during the race weekend.
“The repave is awesome,” said Graham Rahal midway through the test day. “The corners are so smooth. Faster than last year, for us, about seven tenths of a second. For the pole sitters maybe only a few tenths.
“Awesome grip. I think it’s gonna open up the second lane maybe even more than we had before. I’m pretty excited about it. I think it’s going to be a hell of a good show here.”
The hybrid system functioned well during Thursday’s test, with no reported issues with the electrified power system.
Even with the extra power available, however, the effects on overall performance appear to be minimal at the current power levels made available by the series.
IndyCar is taking a conservative approach with the system, and is limiting the power output at the beginning of its use to ensure that there are minimal hiccups as the hybrid units make thier race weekend debut.
After multiple lengthy delays, the hybrid system will make its full debut at the upcoming race from Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Teams all have their hands on enough units to complete the race weekend, with Honda and Chevy having a stock of spare components available should they be needed.
The full debut of the hybrid systems will be Friday afternoon’s practice session at 3:20 PM eastern time, followed by the Honda Indy 200 at 1:45 PM on Sunday, July 7.
The paddock will then return to site of this latest test at Iowa Speedway for a double-header race weekend at Iowa Speedway on July 13-14.
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