until Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League
Felipe Nasr topped an unofficial 15-car IndyCar test at Sebring on Monday for Carlin, beating Scott Dixon to the fastest time.
Ex-Formula 1 driver Nasr only ran in the afternoon session, completing 77 laps and setting a best time of 52.136s round the Florida venue’s 1.7-mile club layout.
He got a late call up to drive for Carlin, which he also ran with in last month’s official pre-season test at Austin, and is in contention for a race seat with the team this season.
IndyCar teams often run at Sebring over the winter, making the most of the more favourable climate in the area.
While tests at the track are usually unofficial affairs, the truncated running at the weather-affected official ‘Spring Training’ test at Austin meant this week’s running had added importance for teams as they prepare for the season opener under two weeks away.
Nasr’s best time was just 0.038s quicker than Dixon’s benchmark, while AJ Foyt’s new signing Sebastien Bourdais was third fastest.
Ryan Hunter-Reay was the fastest of the full Andretti Autosport contingent, ahead of Zach Veach, Alexander Rossi, and affiliate driver Jack Harvey, while Ganassi duo Felix Rosenqvist and Marcus Ericsson completed the top 10 along with Colton Herta.
Just 0.333s separated the top 10 runners, with 0.678s covering 14 of the 15 cars.
Ben Hanley was the slowest of all drivers in attendance, he also completed the lowest number of laps with 56 – as opposed to 126 for Dixon.
Hanley has been confirmed for the St Petersburg season opener for DragonSpeed and is expected to make further outings for the second-year team throughout 2020.
