Ericsson Shines at Sebring Testing, Leading with Andretti

Marcus Ericsson, winner of the 2022 Indianapolis 500, stood out on the second day of testing, clocking a leading time of 51.9512 seconds in the #28 Delaware Life Honda. This stellar performance isn't just an achievement for Ericsson but a testament to the potential the Swedish driver brings to his new team, Andretti Global.

Ericsson's addition to Andretti Global, after competing for four seasons with Chip Ganassi Racing, seems to have been a smooth transition with promising results. The Sebring circuit, known for its rough and challenging surface, served as a perfect stage for teams and drivers to hone their skills and preparations for the season opener. The 1.67-mile track, with its unique combination of asphalt and concrete, provides a close simulation to conditions found on street courses like those in St. Petersburg.

The start of the INDYCAR SERIES season is just around the corner with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding on March 10. Ericsson, who clinched victory at this event last year, once again showed why he's a competitor to watch, topping the timing sheets at Sebring. His performance is a clear indicator of his adaptation and synergy with Andretti Global.

"Today's test is very important, especially being with a new team," said Ericsson. "There's a lot of learning process, getting to know the people, the car. Everything is new, obviously. Since we don't have many tests these days, we need to maximize this."

Other competitors also showcased impressive performances at Sebring. Two-time series champion Will Power was second fastest with a time of 52.0076 in the #12 Verizon Business Team Penske Chevrolet. Power, like Ericsson, set his best lap in the final 15 minutes of the session.

Pato O’Ward, in the #5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, posted the third-best time with his afternoon best lap of 52.0104. O'Ward showed notable consistency, leading the morning session. Meanwhile, Felix Rosenqvist, in the #60 Meyer Shank Racing Honda, finished fourth with a time of 52.0305. Rosenqvist, like his fellow countryman Ericsson, switched teams this season, moving from Arrow McLaren to Meyer Shank Racing.

Graham Rahal, in the #15 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda, completed the day's top five times with a 52.0598. Each of Tuesday's top five drivers posted faster times than Monday's overall best lap, set by series champion Alex Palou in the #10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.

A total of 27 drivers tested over the two days at Sebring, accumulating 2,115 laps in total. Sebring's rugged surface, consisting of concrete and asphalt, provides a good simulation of street tracks like those in St. Petersburg. "What you're looking for is different types of patches, concrete, asphalt, bumps," explained O’Ward. "That's what you find on a street circuit over the years."

One driver who attracted additional attention was sports car racing veteran Colin Braun, behind the wheel of the #51 Dale Coyne Racing Honda. This was Braun's first test in an INDYCAR SERIES car, the Texas native, a three-time IMSA season champion, and overall winner of the 2023 Rolex 24 At Daytona. Braun and Jack Harvey tested this week for DCR, the only team yet to name its driver lineup for this season. Braun finished 0.1597 seconds faster than Harvey, and his best lap was just 0.9657 seconds off Ericsson's overall test-topping time, which is impressive for his first day in an INDYCAR SERIES car.

"My first day with the team was definitely exciting," Braun commented. "Lots to learn, but it was great to have Jack Harvey here helping out, and these guys did a great job guiding me step by step. It was fun. Made progress all day. Still a lot to learn, but it's a great group of people to learn from and work with. So, big thanks to Honda and Dale Coyne for giving me this opportunity. It was a lot of fun."

Ericsson's performance at Sebring heralds an exciting season for Andretti Global and its fans. With the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg just around the corner, the INDYCAR SERIES scene is set for more action and excitement. The 2024 season appears poised to deliver top-notch competition and entertainment for fans.