IndyCar driver Alexander Rossi tested the new IR-28 Indy car at Sebring International Raceway on October 13, 2026, following Honda driver Alex Palou’s session the day before. The two-day test focused on pushing the vehicle to its limits to identify weak spots and ensure the car’s performance over extended use. Sebring was chosen due to its rough track surface, which simulates conditions found on street circuits, and because its 80-degree sunny weather in mid-October provided ideal testing conditions.

Rossi, driving for ECR Chevrolet, completed 134 laps on the bumpy Sebring road course. This test differed from earlier sessions at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where caution was emphasized to protect the sole IR-28 prototype available at the time. Rossi explained that Sebring’s runoff areas allow for more aggressive driving in certain corners, helping the team stress-test the car realistically. He compared the intensity of this testing to a typical race weekend practice where drivers gradually push limits ahead of qualifying.

Sebring’s significance lies in its challenging pavement, which mimics street course conditions common in IndyCar racing, along with its high grip level due to frequent use. As Rossi noted, these elements make Sebring an excellent preview for street circuits on the schedule. Chevrolet, Honda, Dallara, and IndyCar leveraged this environment to assess the IR-28’s handling, cooling, comfort, and overall drivability, marking a crucial step toward the car’s planned 2028 racing debut.

Rossi reflected on his personal connection to Sebring, where he first tested an Indy car as a rookie in 2016, and expressed pride in participating in the IR-28’s development. He described the new car as a substantial upgrade with increased grip, improved cockpit cooling, and enhanced engineering quality. Rossi highlighted that further refinements are expected before the IR-28 fully enters competition, aiming not only to boost performance but also to deliver a better spectacle for fans, which remains the top priority for the series.