PREMA Racing conducted its first on-track test session in IndyCar earlier this week, allowing both of its drivers to turn laps around The Thermal Club.
The test was just as much of a challenge for the team as it was for the drivers, with all aspects of the operation being evaluated in a hot track scenario.
Callum Ilott, being the veteran of the group on account of his two-plus seasons driving in IndyCar, helped the group assemble proper procedures across the board.
His car suffered a small mechanical issue, however, and he was not able to get proper runs under his belt until the afternoon.
His rookie team-mate Robert Shwartzman had no such troubles to deal with, and very quickly showed that he has the skills to match his assignment.
Shwartzman’s fastest lap was only 0.175 seconds slower than the best set by any driver, which speaks as much to PREMA’s preparation as it does the 25-year-old’s abilities.
Overall, it was a successful first outing for the newcomer team as they prepare to enter one of the most competitive series around.
Andretti setting the pace
In addition to PREMA’s two drivers, four other drivers took to the track to get an early start on the 2025 season.
Andretti Global’s Marcus Ericsson was the quickest driver of the day, setting the unofficial fastest time during the session.
The Swede, who has put on nearly 10 pounds of muscle over the break and drives on a simulator almost daily, was quite pleased with his early pace.
Andretti’s two other drivers were also present, with Kyle Kirkwood and Colton Herta each turning laps in their respective cars.
Kirkwood turned the second fastest lap around the 3.067-mile course, and Herta was fifth on the timesheets.
Jacob Abel also turned his first official laps with Dale Coyne Racing, and spent a majority of the day perfecting the art of pit stops and proper communication while out on track.
He will be in contention for the Rookie of the Year title again Shwartzman and the impressive IndyNXT champion Louis Foster, who is stepping up to the top series with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
A full field IndyCar test is scheduled for mid-February from Sebring, then a couple weeks after that the season gets underway properly on the streets of St. Petersburg.
