Analysis
The Aeroscreen, chart-topping speed from elite teams and the first signs of success for rookies earned headlines at the COTA Open Test.
Though some electricity seems better than none, interest from potential manufacturers may be dampened by the cost-saving nature of INDYCAR’s 2022 hybrid regulations.
Fans were treated to a spectacular finish at Mid-Ohio after Barry Wanser instructed his driver to have a go at the race leader on the final lap.
Friday’s unique schedule at Iowa saw qualifying-specific and race-ready setups hit the track hours apart with the most emphasis being placed on strong race pace.
Simon Pagenaud cut nearly a second off his lap time from practice to qualifying to continue his commanding weekend north of the border.
Oliver Jarvis put 0.223 seconds between he and Dane Cameron in qualifying at Watkins Glen but both drivers left speed on the track as the grid was set for the third endurance race of 2019.
Alexander Rossi was easily quickest on Friday at Road America but two mistakes on his strongest lap kept his ideal lap and actual lap from being one and the same.
While avoiding the unforgiving barriers that line the Long Beach street circuit, Alexander Rossi set the second-fastest lap of the race.
Action up front may have been limited but IndyCar’s COTA debut included more general and position passes per mile than the St. Pete season opener.