Pato O'Ward Leads Opening INDYCAR Test at Sebring

Pato O'Ward set the pace on the first day of the 2025 INDYCAR preseason test at Sebring International Raceway, recording an impressive lap time of 52.3470 seconds. The event featured 26 drivers divided into morning and afternoon sessions, with each team experimenting with various setups and strategies. Following O'Ward were Marcus Armstrong in second and reigning champion Alex Palou in third, while Conor Daly and Christian Lundgaard rounded out the top five. The testing day showcased strong performances from many competitors, despite some minor mechanical issues affecting several teams.

Scott Dixon encountered significant trouble, completing only two laps due to mechanical failures, while Nolan Siegel sustained a crash but emerged unharmed. Overall, the day was largely uneventful, with drivers collectively surpassing 1,300 laps, demonstrating their preparation for the upcoming season. As teams gear up for the season opener on March 2 at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, the insights gained from this test will be crucial for their future strategies.