The NTT IndyCar Series is visiting Barber Motorsports Park this weekend, and the added weight of the hybrid system could dictate pit strategy.
Pit strategies at Barber have traditionally been split between two and three stops, depending on the timing of any yellow flags.
Scott McLaughlin has won the past two events with a three stop strategy, but drivers on the alternate strategy finished in the top five during each of those races.
Alex Palou and Pato O’Ward won the previous races in 2021 and 2022 and only came down pit lane twice in each instance.
The two stop strategy will likely be harder to execute this weekend, however, due to the hybrid being used at the track for the first time.
The system adds roughly 100 pounds to each car, which means more energy is needed to accelerate away from every corner.
“I think so, yeah,” said Ericsson when asked if three stop is preferred. “I think two stop is going to be difficult. I’m sure someone is going to try it, and if [Scott] Dixon tries it I’m sure it’s going to work.
“I think it’s going to be trickier with the hybrid and the extra weight and everything. Who knows. If the yellows fall the right way a two stop could be really good, but if the yellows fall a different way, then no.
“The biggest thing is going to be the weight. In all these quick, fast, high speed corners where we change direction, the weight is going to make it a little slow.”
Ericsson was not the only one with that prediction, and multiple drivers are planning to make a high number of stops during the 90-lap race.
“Yeah, it will,” agreed Graham Rahal. “With the hybrid. It’s harder to hit the [fuel] targets, there’s no doubt about that. I would be surprised if the two [stop strategy] becomes a workable path unless there’s a lot of yellows.”
Drivers will have their hands full early in the weekend, when rain is forecast to move over the track throughout the day on Saturday.
Sunday will likely be dry, leading to a race that could well be dictated by how long a tank of fuel can last.
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