Firestone, the tire supplier brand in the IndyCar conducted a test in Mid-Ohio with Alex Palou and Josef Newgarden. Both drivers completed a total of 128 laps. Firestone It not only caused the usual tires used in the championship, but also two additional compounds that could be included in the 2023 campaign. After it is from the data obtained with the experimental tires, Firestone It changed again to help the category assess the effects of the 2023 regulation change. These changes will see the engines increase from 2.2 liters to 2.4 liters, gain top speed and increase their weight.
Due to this important test for the tire brand, its director of engineering Cara Adams has commented the following: “Our idea was to do short runs of the race to obtain specific data, then a longer run with fuel was tested, about 20 laps.. Firestone performs these tire tests on one car from each team. Considering that we have had the opportunity to test with Josef Newgarden and that he gives us a very good feeling, about the configuration and the performance of the tire. In the case of Alex Palou, being a less experienced pilot, the information he offers is from other perspectives. Both cars used the experimental tires with this year’s car setup. “
“The experimental tires we used were compounds not much different from 2021. But the intention is to increase grip and confidence with the front end of the car. We are always improving so that the performance of the tires is always better, but looking forward to 2023, we will make sure that the tires are able to withstand the braking force. With the increased power and load on the car, we expected a more striking difference. But although the balance, weight and power were not drastically changed, he did have some problems when driving, especially the front end blocked a lot. “
About this Newgarden He commented that the cars gain top speed, but the cornering is somewhat more complicated. However, when Firestone performed tire tests on cars with a configuration similar to that of 2023, they were pleasantly surprised.
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