The build-up to the 110th Indianapolis 500 officially gathered pace this week as the two-day Open Test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway got underway, bringing together the full 33-car entry for crucial early running on the 2.5-mile oval.
Tuesday’s opening day combined two distinct programmes: a two-hour session for experienced Indy 500 entrants and the mandatory Rookie Orientation Programme (ROP), designed to familiarise first-time drivers with the unique demands of the circuit.
Among those making their first official oval appearances were three full-time IndyCar rookies: Mick Schumacher, Dennis Hauger, and Caio Collet. All three sampled traffic-free running before progressing through the structured ROP stages designed to control speed build-up and ensure safety.
Rookie Orientation Programme (ROP) structure
| Phase | Requirement | Speed range |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 10 laps | 205–210 mph |
| Phase 2 | 15 laps | 210–215 mph |
| Phase 3 | 15 laps | 215+ mph |
The programme does not require consecutive laps, but each phase must be completed within the defined parameters before progression is granted.
On Tuesday, both Schumacher and Collet successfully completed all three phases within the allotted session window, securing full eligibility for Indy 500 running. Hauger initially fell short of completing Phase 3 during the two-hour ROP window but later returned to the track and completed the programme successfully.
Also taking part was Jacob Abel, who returns after failing to qualify for the 2025 Indy 500. Unlike the rookies, Abel already had oval experience, and this year competes in his family-run Abel Motorsports entry, running car #51.
Veterans set early benchmark
Before the rookies took to the circuit, veteran drivers opened proceedings in a separate two-hour session. Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden set the pace, posting a best lap of 223.415mph (40.283 seconds) in the #2 Team Penske Chevrolet, aided by drafting from team-mates on track.
He was followed closely by another two-time winner, Takuma Sato, driving for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, with Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward completing the top three.
| Position | Driver | Team | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Josef Newgarden | Team Penske | 223.415 mph |
| 2 | Takuma Sato | RLL Racing | Not stated |
| 3 | Pato O’Ward | Arrow McLaren | Not stated |
Refresher drivers and ongoing running
The track remained open for extended “refresher” running later in the day for drivers returning to IndyCar competition after a year away. This group includes Ed Carpenter, Hélio Castroneves, Jack Harvey, Ryan Hunter-Reay, and Katherine Legge, who has been confirmed as the 33rd entry for this year’s race in the #11 HMD Motorsports with AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet.
Legge’s programme was delayed after mechanical issues prevented her from completing initial running on Tuesday.
With rookies now cleared, veterans setting early benchmarks, and teams continuing to refine their race packages, attention will turn to Wednesday’s second test session as preparations intensify for May’s Indianapolis 500.