Armstrong Sets the Pace as IndyCar Season Approaches
Marcus Armstrong of Meyer Shank Racing topped the charts at the conclusion of the two-day IndyCar preseason test at Sebring International Raceway on Tuesday, posting a fast lap of 52.372 seconds. This was 0.254 seconds faster than the fastest time set by defending champion Alex Palou (Ganassi-Honda) on Monday.
Honda Dominates Testing
Honda-powered drivers led all four sessions during the Sebring test, signaling a potentially strong start to the 2026 IndyCar season. Armstrong’s performance builds on a breakthrough 2025 season where he finished eighth in the championship, suggesting he could be a contender this year.
Power Adapts to Fresh Team and Engine
Will Power, now driving for Andretti Global and switching to Honda engines from Chevrolet, demonstrated impressive adaptability. After finishing 17th on Monday, he climbed to fourth place on Tuesday. His fastest lap was 52.611 seconds.
Andretti’s Strong Showing
Andretti Global showcased a competitive lineup with Power and Kyle Kirkwood both finishing in the top three. Kirkwood secured the second-fastest time on Tuesday with a lap of 52.479 seconds.
Schumacher Focuses on Preparation
Rookie Mick Schumacher, driving for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL), finished 22nd but showed improvement from Monday, shaving over 0.8 seconds off his lap time. Schumacher emphasized that lap times during testing are less important than preparing for the season-opening race at St. Petersburg.
McElrea Impresses for Ed Carpenter Racing
Hunter McElrea, the new simulator driver for Ed Carpenter Racing, made a strong showing, finishing eighth overall. He was able to participate in both morning and afternoon sessions on Tuesday, as the team skipped Monday’s testing.
Looking Ahead to St. Petersburg and Phoenix
The IndyCar season kicks off on March 1st at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Teams will have one final two-day test at Phoenix Raceway next week (February 17-18) to prepare for the second race of the season, which marks Phoenix’s return to the calendar after a five-year absence. This will be the first of six oval races in the 2026 season.
Sebring Test Results – Top 10
- 1. Marcus Armstrong (Shank-Honda) – 52.372 seconds
- 2. Kyle Kirkwood (Andretti-Honda) – 52.479
- 3. Scott Dixon (Ganassi-Honda) – 52.514
- 4. Will Power (Andretti-Honda) – 52.611
- 5. Scott McLaughlin (Penske-Chevrolet) – 52.636
- 6. Felix Rosenqvist (Shank-Honda) – 52.702
- 7. Santino Ferrucci (Foyt-Chevrolet) – 52.715
- 8. Hunter McElrea (Carpenter-Chevrolet) – 52.729
- 9. Marcus Ericsson (Andretti-Honda) – 52.823
- 10. Rinus VeeKay (Juncos-Chevrolet) – 52.845
FAQ
- Who set the fastest time at the Sebring test? Marcus Armstrong (Shank-Honda) set the fastest time with a lap of 52.372 seconds.
- How did Will Power perform at the test? Power finished fourth on Tuesday, improving from 17th on Monday, demonstrating a quick adaptation to his new team and engine.
- What is the next test scheduled for? The next test will be held at Phoenix Raceway on February 17-18.
- When does the IndyCar season start? The season begins on March 1st at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
Pro Tip: Cooler morning temperatures often lead to faster lap times on road courses like Sebring, so comparing times across sessions requires careful consideration.
What are your predictions for the 2026 IndyCar season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
