Rossi’s Phoenix Speed: ECR Tops Test Charts | IndyCar

Alexander Rossi is sending a clear signal: he intends to reclaim his place at the front of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. After a frustrating drought stretching back to 2018, the 2016 Indy 500 champion dominated both days of testing at Phoenix Raceway, laying down the fastest overall lap of 174.542 mph. This isn’t just a good test result; it’s a potential harbinger of a resurgent season for Rossi and Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR), and a warning shot to the established frontrunners.

The significance of this test lies in several factors. First, Phoenix is a crucial proving ground for oval performance, a discipline where experience and setup are paramount. INDYCAR has been steadily emphasizing oval racing in recent years, recognizing its historical importance to the series and its appeal to a core fanbase. Rossi’s previous oval win at Pocono demonstrated his capability, but consistency has been an issue. This test suggests ECR has provided him with a car capable of consistently running at the front.

Second, the performance of Team Penske and Chip Ganassi Racing – the two powerhouses of INDYCAR – will be closely scrutinized. While Josef Newgarden was second overall and Alex Palou third, the margin separating them from Rossi is notable. Newgarden’s strong showing is encouraging for his new team, but Palou, the reigning champion, will need to find more speed. David Malukas, also new to Team Penske, showed promise with a fifth-place overall finish, suggesting a potentially strong pairing with Newgarden.

The test also provided valuable track time for Formula One veteran Mick Schumacher, who continues to adapt to the unique challenges of oval racing. His improvement of over 7 mph from Tuesday to Wednesday is a testament to his learning curve and the support from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. While still 18th overall, his progress is a positive sign for his rookie season.

A minor incident involving Marcus Ericsson served as a reminder of the inherent risks of oval racing, but thankfully he was unhurt. Will Power’s impressive 259 laps completed underscored his dedication to settling into his new role at Andretti Global after a long tenure with Team Penske.

The Forward Look

The results from Phoenix strongly suggest that ECR has made significant strides during the offseason. The question now is whether they can translate this test speed into race-winning performance when the series kicks off at St. Petersburg. Rossi’s resurgence puts pressure on the established contenders, and the upcoming race at St. Petersburg will be a critical indicator of the competitive landscape for 2026. Expect to see Penske and Ganassi respond with aggressive setup adjustments and a renewed focus on oval performance. The return to Phoenix on March 7th will be a key test of these developments, and a potential early-season championship statement. Furthermore, keep a close eye on Schumacher’s continued development; his progress could shake up the rookie standings and potentially challenge the established order later in the season.