IndyCar’s two-day test session for the Indianapolis 500 got underway Tuesday, with the field’s rookie drivers taking to the track to familiarize themselves with the speed.
Before they were allowed to run at full speed with other drivers on track, four rookies were required to complete the Rookie Orientation Program.
Caio Collet, Dennis Hauger, and Mick Schumacher are the three true rookies for the 2026 season and were required to participate in the orientation process.
Jacob Abel also joined the inexperienced trio because his failed Indy 500 qualifying attempt last year meant that he also has no race experience on the 2.5-mile oval.
The orientation program consisted of solo runs at slightly slower speeds than the Dallara cars are capable of running.
10 laps between 205 and 210 MPH were first on the list, followed by 15 laps between 215 and 220 MPH, and finally 15 laps over 215 MPH.
Officials watched to make sure the drivers had solid control of their cars during each section, then gave final sign-off for them to participate in full-field sessions.
Collet was the first rookie to complete the program, completing 70 laps in all before the session was complete.
Three drivers completed the full program during the two hour window early Tuesday afternoon, with Hauger completing two of the three phases successfully.
Hauger will be allowed to complete his third phase in the group session, and all rookies have been given the green light to join the full field for the remainder of the two day test.
Veteran refresher course
In addition to the rookies, five veteran racers that do not contest the full IndyCar schedule had to complete an abbreviated refresher course.
Helio Castroneves, Jack Harvey, Ed Carpenter, and Ryan Hunter-Reay all completed their required programs during the allotted time as well.
Katherine Legge’s AJ Foyt Racing / HMD Motorsports entry suffered apparent clutch issues that prevented her from turning any laps at speed.
The result is that she will not be allowed to join the rest of the field in Tuesday afternoon’s session.
Legge will likely have track time made available for her Wednesday morning in order for her to complete her refresher course, but Tuesday’s lost time is still less than ideal.
Four hours of full field track time are available for the rest of Tuesday afternoon, followed by approximately seven hours available on Wednesday.
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