Alex Palou, Alexander Rossi provide rave reviews after 1st weekend of testing the new IndyCars

Alex Palou and Alexander Rossi offered glowing reviews of the new IndyCar model following their initial testing session at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The two prominent drivers were the first to pilot the next-generation car on the track's 14-turn road course, leaving them highly impressed.

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I am very happy to announce that we will race it next year.

Palou, a four-time series champion, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I am very happy to announce that we will race it next year." While acknowledging the car's planned 2028 debut, he conveyed a strong desire for its earlier arrival, reflecting the excitement surrounding the new design. He was particularly struck by the car's appearance, noting, "I think everybody, when we saw it live for the first time, I was shocked at how good it looked and how excited I was to give it a try."

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I think everybody, when we saw it live for the first time, I was shocked at how good it looked and how excited I was to give it a try.

Rossi, the 2016 Indianapolis 500 winner, found the car to be even better than anticipated. He highlighted the improved cockpit, which offers more space for taller drivers like himself, stating, "It's a little bigger, certainly more room for me. My knees aren't headed into the top of the chassis, which is great." He also drew a parallel to the smooth ride experienced in Formula 1 cars, remarking, "This car starts to get to that level."

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Not to draw comparisons to F1, we don't like doing that, but I think anyone who drives an F1 car for the first time, they notice how smooth the car is - not from a powertrain standpoint but from the surface standpoint. This car starts to get to that level.

Although rain significantly reduced the allotted testing time for both drivers, their positive impressions remained undampened. The primary goal of the test was to gather baseline performance data for future development, rather than setting speed records. Both Palou and Rossi found the experience enjoyable, contributing to the anticipation for the car's eventual integration into the series.

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It's a little bigger, certainly more room for me. My knees aren't headed into the top of the chassis, which is great. But it's not like you're out there driving a Suburban.