O'Ward Leads First Day of IndyCar Testing at Sebring with Fast Lap
Pato O'Ward led a field of 14 IndyCar Series drivers during Monday morning's test session at Sebring International Raceway, setting the fastest lap time of 52.347s on the short course.
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The session, initially delayed due to power issues with IndyCar's medical trailer, began at 9:35am and ran for four hours. Reigning champion Alex Palou finished second with a time of 52.495s, testing the new larger Cosworth steering wheel. Christian Lundgaard secured third place (52.663s), followed by Sting Ray Robb in fourth (52.776s).
Meyer Shank Racing made an adjustment when Felix Rosenqvist fell ill, with teammate Marcus Armstrong taking over duties in Rosenqvist's No. 60 car for the afternoon session after completing his morning run in his own No. 66 MSR Honda.
"We're back, baby," O'Ward expressed to RACER. "I'm pumped to be back. I really miss driving this IndyCar. It's been a good morning, a successful morning."
Full Morning Session Results:
- Pato O'Ward, 52.347s
- Alex Palou, +0.148s
- Christian Lundgaard, +0.316s
- Sting Ray Robb, +0.429s
- Marcus Armstrong, +0.457s
- Kyle Kirkwood, +0.503s
- David Malukas, +0.547s
- Scott McLaughlin, +0.574s
- Louis Foster, +0.625s
- Christian Rasmussen, +0.657s
- Marcus Ericsson, +0.672s
- Graham Rahal, +0.754s
- Rinus VeeKay, +0.854s
- Robert Shwartzman, +1.048s
The afternoon group is scheduled to run from 2:05-6:05pm, with groups swapping sessions on Tuesday.