Andretti Global’s Marcus Ericsson in the No.28 Deleware Life Honda was the pace-setter on the final day of testing at Sebring International Raceway on Tuesday. The Swede set a benchmark time of 00:51.9512s, completing 83 laps. Will Power was second fastest for Team Penske in the No.12 Verizon Business Chevrolet. Speaking following the action, Ericsson commented saying:
Today is very important, especially when you’re in a new team,” Ericsson said. “It’s been a lot of learning processes, learning the people, learning the car. Everything is new, obviously. We don’t get a lot of tests these days. So, we need to maximize that.
“We just had a really good day. So, that’s positive, and we’re feeling excited about going to St. Pete.”
Pato O’Ward, who was in both the No.5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet and the No.6 NTT DATA Chevrolet, was third fastest, just ahead of Meyer Shank Racing’s Felix Rosenqvist, while Graham Rahal was fifth fastest, just ahead of defending series champion Alex Palou and his Rahal teammate Christian Lundgaard.
Josef Newgarden was eighth fastest, having spent time in New York on Tuesday morning with Roger Penske to open the day’s trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Rookie Kyffin Simpson was ninth just ahead of his Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Linus Lindqvist.
Colton Herta was 11th just ahead of Santino Ferrucci who had a fantastic day in the No.14 Sexton Properties AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet who ended the day in 12th place just ahead of Alexander Rossi and Pato O’Ward who was also testing in the car that David Malukas will compete with in 2024. Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon was 15th in the No.9 PNC Bank Honda who ended the day just ahead of Juncos Hollinger Racing’s Romain Grosjean who had a great day with a time of 00:52.2716s.
Marcus Armstrong was 17th just ahead of Kyle Kirkwood and Christan Rasmussen. Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin rounded out the top twenty for Team Penske. Rinus VeeKay was 21st just ahead of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Pietro Fittipaldi and Tom Blomqvist.
Agustin Canapino was 23rd just ahead of Sting Ray Robb and Colin Braun while Jack Harvey rounded out the order in 27th place for Dale Coyne Racing. Speaking following the action, Braun said:
My first day in (INDYCAR SERIES machinery), certainly a blast jumping in the deep end. “A lot to learn, but it was great having Jack Harvey here helping out, and these guys did a really good job of walking me down the path and letting me learn step by step. It was fun.
“Made progress all day. It felt like it went pretty smooth on my end. Still a lot to learn, but it’s a great group of guys to learn from and work with. So, a big thank you to Honda and Dale Coyne for giving me a chance here. A lot of fun.”