Reigning IndyCar champion Josef Newgarden has revealed that the addition of the Aeroscreen will force drivers to adapt by altering their car setups and driving styles heading into this season.
Before the preseason testing sessions at Circuit of the Americas last month and the Sebring short course earlier this week, many drivers were predicting that the Aeroscreen would have next to no drivability effects on the road courses.
This is due to the expectation that the aerodynamic differences would be the main concern, which would not play as big of a role at the slower speed tracks as compared to the speedway races like Indianapolis and Texas.
However, after completing the test sessions Newgarden has noticed some pretty big differences in the handling of the car that will come into play for the slow-speed tracks as well.
“I think it brings a bit more comfort to driving the car with the weight moved forward naturally. I think there’s a bit more mechanical stability in the car inherently.
“Also it can have some uncomfortable traits as well depending on how you tune the racecar.”
The Aeroscreen frame is made from 3D printed titanium and, combined with the ballistic shield, weighs more than 45 pounds. This weight sits very high on the car, producing the changes in handling that now have to be accounted for.
“I think everyone is going to have a very interesting time trying to figure out what works best for them,” continued Newgarden.
“I think you’re going to see people power sliding the car a lot more, being aggressive on the throttle, maybe slide the car a bit more friendly and get away with it.
“That could be quite exciting, especially on a street course. I think you’ll see some guys doing some exciting maneuvers with it.”
Newgarden is ready for the challenge of the new cars, but is working hard with his team to go over the data from the tests to make sure everything is prepared for St. Petersburg.
“As a driver you like change, the opportunity to try and shine at something new.
“Yeah, we just need to make sure we’re on top of it when we get to St. Pete next week.”
The first race weekend begins in just over one week’s time, at a street circuit that will accentuate the new slow-speed handling characteristics of the cars.
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