On Friday, IndyCar drivers were able to sample the hybrid system for the first time during a live race weekend while turning laps at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
There were little if any issues, and they were able to test out various different use cases for the new electrified power boost in the truncated session.
One situation drivers were not able to test out was deploying the hybrid system alongside the standard Push to Pass boost system, because Push to Pass will not be active until Sunday morning’s warm-up and then the race later that day.
Much has been made by the series about the total power output, with 800 total horsepower being achievable if drivers utilize both systems simultaneously.
Alex Palou, the reigning series champion and most recent winner at Mid-Ohio, is not so sure that using both will be in the best interest of drivers, however.
He feels the high power output could put undue strain on the rear tires, which will cause them to break free from their performance window.
“That’s what I’m looking forward to in the warm-up, which is the first time we get the overtake enabled,” said Palou, eager to see what happens when both are used simultaneously. “I don’t think the tires are going to like that.
“[Even with the repaved track], the tires still get all the horsepower at once. I think it’s also going to be tough, pressing two buttons at the same time while going up through the gears, trying to get the buttons right.
“But yeah, I’m excited. For sure, I think it’s something drivers will try the first couple laps in the warm-up. Hopefully that also makes the race more interesting. If people start putting more pressure on the rear tires and struggling more.
“I think it’s actually a really good hybrid system for what we were looking for.”
Palou refused to elaborate on exactly where his hybrid deployment button is on his steering wheel, and how awkward it will be for him to press both boost buttons simultaneously.
Some drivers have chosen to put at least one button on the backside of the wheel, allowing their fingers to activate the system instead of their thumbs.
Sunday morning’s final practice is when drivers will get a chance to try out that particular scenario, and only then will they see if their coordination or their tires are tested more.
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