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Alexander Rossi became the first driver to bring IndyCar’s future to life on Saturday, completing the inaugural test of the all-new Dallara IR-28 chassis at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.The 2016 Indianapolis 500 winner put the next-generation machine through its first development laps on the iconic 2.439-mile road course, officially beginning the countdown toward its 2028 NTT IndyCar Series debut.
Rossi praised the preparation behind the project after a smooth opening session.
“I’ve been a part of some new car launches before, and I can’t say that any have gone as smooth as this one has,” Rossi said.
“That’s down to everyone involved. We’ve all been waiting for this for a long time. Drivers, fans, teams, sponsors and all of you have been looking forward to it, and now it’s finally here. It’s like Christmas morning!”
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Despite damp conditions affecting running, Rossi said the team achieved its goals.
“Everything you could hope for from a day like today was accomplished,” he said. “The fact that the car is completely new and the only real issue we had was replacing one sensor is phenomenal. That’s a huge testament to Dallara, INDYCAR and everyone involved.”
The American was also impressed by the IR-28’s aggressive design and immediate feel.
“Aesthetically, it ticks every box you could hope for,” he said. “I was blown away the first time I saw it. The pictures don’t do it justice.”
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For Rossi, testing IndyCar’s next chapter at its most famous venue made the moment even more special.
“To be able to be a part of this next evolution of INDYCAR and do it at IMS, a place that means so much to me and all of us here, is super cool,” he added.
“I get to play a small part in the history and the future of this championship, and that’s a big privilege.”
