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The IndyCar Series officially entered its next chapter this weekend, as the IR-28 car configuration underwent its first validation testing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course. Alexander Rossi and Alex Palou became the first two drivers to take the wheel of the all-new chassis, completing a combined 69 laps over two days. The test marks the beginning of a multi-year platform that will define the series through 2030 and beyond.
Rossi, who drove on Saturday in humid conditions with intermittent rain, described the experience as “Christmas morning” for a driver. “Aesthetically, it ticks every box you could hope for,” he said. “When I saw it for the first time, I was blown away. The balance is aggressive, but the baseline setup felt comfortable from the very first lap. The build quality is impressive—it’s a testament to the team at Dallara and IndyCar.” Rossi emphasized that the new car’s cooling system, a persistent issue with the current generation, appears improved even if still not fully resolved. “It’s not fixed, but it’s better. Early days, but the smart people at Dallara and IndyCar will hit it out of the park.”
Palou took over on Sunday, facing similar spotty rain that limited dry running. While the new aeroscreen design provided better visibility in wet conditions compared to the previous model, Palou noted that water management remains a challenge, especially with 27 other cars on track. “The shape of the new screen rolls water off a bit more on the straights, but in traffic it’s still tough,” he said. “The team already has ideas for improvement.” A major positive for Palou was the wider cockpit. “It’s huge—a big difference. The current car is very narrow. This one gives you plenty of room. It’s still a single-seater, but it feels safer and less crowded. Taller drivers will especially appreciate the space.”
From an engineering perspective, Mike O’Gara, IndyCar Vice President of Competition and Race Engineering, called the two-day session “the smoothest rollout we’ve had.” He noted that the test checklist covered downforce levels, brake bias, and aerodynamic balance, with both drivers providing nearly identical feedback. “That’s a huge help. If we had two completely different sets of comments, it would be a much tougher job. Everything is lining up, which gives us confidence as Dallara begins manufacturing the IR-28 chassis.”
Exclusive to this report: industry sources confirm that Dallara has already started initial production of five IR-28 chassis for durability testing, with the first customer cars expected to be delivered to teams in December 2025. The IR-28 is designed to accommodate hybrid power units scheduled for the 2026 season, though the current test car runs the existing 2.2L twin-turbo V6. Additionally, engineers at Dallara are exploring active aerodynamics for the 2027 update, which could include adjustable rear wings and drag reduction systems—a move that could boost overtaking on road and street courses.
The next validation test is rumored to take place on the IMS oval in September, immediately after the 2025 IndyCar season finale. That session will focus on high-speed stability, tire wear, and oval-specific aero configurations. If successful, the IR-28 will be homologated for competition starting with the 2026 season opener at St. Petersburg.
As the series transitions to a new era, the IR-28 represents a generational leap in safety, performance, and driver comfort. With positive early feedback and a clear development roadmap, IndyCar appears poised to deliver a competitive and visually striking machine that will attract both fans and new manufacturers.
