Alexander Rossi’s first laps in the IndyCar Series’ next‑generation IR‑28 chassis on Indianapolis’s 2.5‑mile oval confirmed the platform’s readiness for the 2028 season.
Baseline Session Challenges
The test ran in low‑90s heat with thick humidity, demanding the lighter IR‑28 gather baseline mileage while maintaining stability. Rossi noted the chassis managed the temperature extremes without overheating or significant side‑wind drift.
He also observed “no surprises” in the vehicle’s behavior, emphasizing that the design delivered the expected performance envelope and that the vehicle’s aerodynamics produced predictable handling characteristics.
Incremental Development Focus
Rossi indicated the engineering crew would shift from seeking dramatic performance changes to isolating minor adjustments that shape the 2028 race package. The team expects early data to reveal how each tweak influences speed, handling, and traction in the high‑speed environment.
Dual‑Driver Data Collection
After Rossi, the newly crowned five‑time IndyCar champion Alex Palou took over the IR‑28, representing the Honda teams at Chip Ganassi Racing. His stint provides a secondary driver’s perspective, complementing telemetry gathered by the Chevrolet‑driven articles and facilitating a balanced refinement process.
With baseline data in hand and driver feedback aligning, IndyCar’s next‑gen IR‑28 is on track for a competitive introduction in 2028.
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