PREMA Racing, a European team venturing into American open-wheel racing, recently made its debut in the IndyCar Series with a test at The Thermal Club in California. The team, led by Robert Shwartzman and Callum Ilott, showcased significant pace, impressing onlookers despite a late start to their on-track program. Shwartzman, a top contender for Rookie of The Year, managed to secure the third-fastest time, falling just 0.175 seconds behind Marcus Ericsson of Andretti Global, who led the pack.
Ilott, despite facing some morning challenges with the new car, rallied in the afternoon to claim the fourth-fastest time, trailing Ericsson by 0.247 seconds. This marked Ilott’s second inaugural day in IndyCar, having previously introduced Juncos Hollinger Racing to the series in 2021. Reflecting on the day’s progress, Ilott expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing the areas they could work on to improve further.
The blend of experienced European team members and IndyCar veterans, including Ilott’s former and now current race engineer Steve Barker, provided PREMA with a head start on adapting to the American racing scene. Ilott highlighted the benefits of having a diverse team, with familiar faces like Barker aiding in a smoother transition. Despite the team’s strong European pedigree, the shift to the more technologically advanced IndyCar presented new challenges and opportunities for growth.
As the team navigates its debut season in the IndyCar Series, Ilott emphasized the importance of time and continued development to unlock the full potential of the new venture. While PREMA faced some expected challenges during their shakedown, the team wasted no time in demonstrating their capabilities and ambition. Moving forward, the focus remains on building upon the strong foundation laid during the initial test at The Thermal Club.
Ericsson Leads the Pack at Thermal Club Test
Andretti Global’s Marcus Ericsson set the pace at the Thermal Club test, showcasing his prowess in the No. 28 Honda as he topped the six-car private IndyCar Series test. Ericsson’s performance underscored the competitive nature of the field, with each driver pushing the limits to make their mark on the track. The test served as a valuable opportunity for teams and drivers to assess their strengths and areas for improvement ahead of the upcoming season.
Looking Ahead to a Promising Season
As the IndyCar Series gears up for another exciting season, the debut of PREMA Racing has added a new dimension to the competition. With a strong showing at The Thermal Club test, the team has set the stage for an intriguing season ahead, filled with challenges and opportunities. As the drivers and engineers fine-tune their strategies and techniques, fans can anticipate thrilling races and memorable moments on the track. The blend of experience and ambition within the PREMA team sets the stage for a promising debut season in the IndyCar Series.
