Click on the gallery link above to view the latest batch of images from the first test of IndyCar's new 2012 Dallara, which had its maiden test run at Mid-Ohio on Monday by Dan Wheldon.
The two-time Indianapolis 500 winner drove what is officially called the IndyCar Safety Cell, fitted with a prototype road course body kit by the Italian constructor and powered by a 2.2-liter Honda V6 turbo engine. No times or video were released from the private test, although IndyCar said the new engine had a “smooth, higher-pitched sound” in comparison with the current 3.5-liter Honda Indy V8.
Eleven further days of running are scheduled before teams receive their chassis for next year. The next test will take place at Texas Motor Speedway at the end of September.
Engine manufacturers, each of whom have ordered a next-generation chassis, will commence testing in early October with their respective aligned teams. So far, Chip Ganassi Racing, A.J. Foyt Racing and Sam Schmidt Motorsports have signed on with Honda. Team Penske is the anchor team for Chevrolet, while no teams have yet committed to the Lotus engine, which is being developed by Judd. The race teams are scheduled to receive their first chassis in mid-December.