Nearly the entire IndyCar paddock was present at Sebring International Raceway earlier in the week for a two-day test around the venue’s short course.
The test was a private test session, meaning times were unofficial. But some interesting trends stood out nonetheless.
Between the two days of testing, Honda appeared to have a slight upper hand regarding track times.
Reigning champion Alex Palou was quickest during the first day in his Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, followed closely by Felix Rosenqvist in his Meyer Shank Racing Honda.
Similarly, Honda drivers topped the second day’s charts with Marcus Armstrong, Kyle Kirkwood and Scott Dixon heading up the timesheets.
Rinus VeeKay was third quickest on the first day, providing a good showing in his Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet, and followed that up with a top 10 drive on day two as well.
Team Penske drivers were also quick on the bumpy course, with all three of the team’s drivers settings times in the top five during one of the two days.
“Great two days at Sebring,” said Scott McLaughlin, who was fifth fastest on the second test day.
“Just wrapped up our second day of testing at Sebring. Not my favorite place in the world, but it was a better test day than I’ve ever had here.
“Really nice. Got a good read on a lot of things. Printer Wagon feels good. All the new guys on the Thirsty Threes working together really well.
“Ready to head to St. Pete. Really excited. Great start to the year.”
Preview of the season ahead?
Although speeds do not tell the whole story during test sessions, a few intriguing driver and team pairings hinted at potential announcements coming in the near future.
Romain Grosjean was on track in the second Dale Coyne Racing entry, which does not yet have a formally announced driver for 2026.
The Frenchman has contested four seasons in IndyCar, including his rookie year with DCR in 2021, before sitting out last season.
Grosjean was seen taking production photos during preseason content days and is highly speculated to be the driver for DCR’s second entry, though nothing has been confirmed yet.
Hunter McElrea, the 2023 IndyNXT runner-up, also climbed behind the wheel for one day of the test.
He piloted the #20 ECR Chevy despite Alexander Rossi having already secured that ride for the full season.
Perhaps the 26-year-old is working on securing a part-time deal, or perhaps he worked out a deal with the team to help keep himself in race shape should an opportunity arise.
One team not present was PREMA, which is widely believed to be on its way out of IndyCar after just one season. It’s two drivers Callum Ilott and Robert Shwartzman were also not present at the test.
It is not yet known if the team will be at any races for the 2026 season or if the program will take another form.
It is believed that PREMA will also not take part in the open test at Phoenix International Raceway next week.
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