IndyCar Stars Palou and Rossi Deliver Glowing First Impressions of 2028 Race Car

Two of IndyCar’s most accomplished drivers offered enthusiastic endorsements of the series’ next-generation vehicle following the first on-track evaluation at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Four-time champion Alex Palou and 2016 Indianapolis 500 victor Alexander Rossi completed separate test sessions over the weekend in the IR-28, which will not compete in races until 2028.

Palou expressed his eagerness to accelerate the timeline, joking that he wished the car would debut sooner given his level of excitement. The Spanish driver, who has captured 21 of the last 64 races including the 2025 Indianapolis 500, was particularly impressed by the vehicle’s aesthetic design and overall handling characteristics during his track time on the 14-turn, 2.439-mile road course.

Rossi, who stands 6-foot-1 and previously competed in seven Formula 1 races, highlighted the vehicle’s roomier cockpit and refined driving dynamics. He compared the car’s smoothness favorably to high-level racing machinery he had previously piloted, noting that additional interior space eliminated knee contact with the chassis—a common complaint among taller drivers.

Both drivers faced abbreviated test windows due to rain that affected the Indianapolis area throughout Saturday and Sunday, reducing their scheduled three-hour sessions by at least half. Despite weather constraints, neither driver’s enthusiasm diminished, with each praising the vehicle’s comfort and overall design philosophy.

Series officials did not record official lap times during the evaluation, instead requesting baseline performance data to inform future setup modifications. IndyCar has not yet scheduled the IR-28’s next testing opportunity. The series returns to competition next Sunday in Portland, Oregon.