IndyCar drivers hit the tarmac at Laguna Seca as the off-season test kicked-off. This is the first time that IndyCar is roaring at the Californian race track since Champ Car raced in 2004.
Chevrolet powered Carlin's Max Chilton lapped the circuit faster than any other driver on the day. He clocked in a lap of 1:11.29 with Felix Rosenqvist of Chip Ganassi lapping just a tenth slower.
Out of an expected 25 cars, only 21 took to the circuit. A heavy shower of rain plagued any plans to test thoroughly around Laguna Seca. For all that, the rest of the field lapped within 2 seconds of Max Chilton while the defending Indy 500 winner, Will Power kept struggling with brakes.
The 2016 Indianapolis 500 winner, Alex Rossi expressed his feelings regarding his experience and past associated with the track. He said:
“A lot of people think Sonoma is my home track, but it really is here”
“My dad brought me here for the first time when I was 3, and even though I don’t remember that race, it was a father-son thing we did until I was 11 before I transitioned to go-karts because of being here and loving the racing here” he said.
Laguna Seca is set to host the season ending grand prix of the 2019 IndyCar series in September. The cars are anticipated to be faster by the time IndyCar will race at the famed circuit officially.
Max Chilton also added: “I feel comfortable here, but the guys have worked incredibly hard all winter."
“I really love this track”
"I haven’t been in the car in five months, but they still developed the car. This is our first test and obviously the work has paid off. It was only one morning, but it is a good sign.” commented the British driver.
Max Chilton is familiar with Laguna Seca, given his past endeavors at the circuit when he raced in Star Mazda Championship in 2007. Chilton also has two poles to his name at Laguna Seca in 2015, during his time in Indy Lights.
5 times IndyCar champion, Scott Dixon also seemed to be pleased while clocking his lap times at the circuit. Dixon professed that how he loved driving at Laguna Seca.
“A fantastic circuit,” he claimed, “I’ve thought that since I first came here in 1999. It’s been a great reception and there’s a lot of people out here today.”
The next off-season test is scheduled for February 12th, to be held at Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) which is situated on the outskirts of Austin, Texas. IndyCar will be racing at COTA for the first time this season.
The first grand prix of the 2019 IndyCar season is all set to get started on March 10th in the streets of St. Petersburg.
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