Full Breakdown
Alexander Rossi Dominates Rain-Impacted Unser IndyCar Open Test
2/19/2026, 11:59:27 AM
Overview of the Test Sessions
The Unser IndyCar Open Test at Phoenix Raceway featured a notable performance from Alexander Rossi, who led both the morning and afternoon sessions on Wednesday. Despite challenging weather conditions, including intermittent rain, Rossi achieved a top speed of 174.542 mph over 19 laps, solidifying his position as a frontrunner for the upcoming season. His Ed Carpenter Racing teammate, Christian Rasmussen, followed closely with a speed of 173.924 mph, contributing to a strong showing for the team.
Key Performers
Rossi's performance was complemented by other notable drivers, including Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou, who secured third place with a speed of 173.625 mph. Will Power from Andretti Global and Marcus Armstrong from Meyer Shank Racing rounded out the top five, clocking in at 173.188 mph and 172.940 mph, respectively. The session saw a total of 25 drivers participating, with two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden logging the most laps at 85, although he finished last in the session at 166.439 mph.
Incident Reports
The session was not without incidents; the only notable crash involved Marcus Ericsson, whose No. 28 Andretti Global Honda lost control and hit the wall during the final hour. Fortunately, Ericsson exited the car without injury. The rain led to multiple cautions, affecting the overall pace and flow of the session.
Rookie Highlights
David Malukas, a newcomer to Team Penske, made a strong impression during the first day of testing, leading with a speed of 172.605 mph. His performance indicates a promising start to his tenure with the team, which aims to improve upon a lackluster 2025 season. Other rookies, including Dennis Hauger and Mick Schumacher, also participated, with Hauger finishing 17th and Schumacher 23rd overall.
Official Statements & Responses
Rossi expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, “We got through everything we wanted, and obviously, when you can do that it’s a good day.” Rasmussen echoed this sentiment, highlighting the excitement within the Ed Carpenter Racing camp after their 1-2 finish in the afternoon session.
Criticism & Opposition
While the test sessions were largely positive for many teams, the weather conditions raised concerns about the reliability of the cars under adverse circumstances. Some teams expressed frustration over the interruptions caused by rain, which limited their ability to gather comprehensive data.
What's Next
The results from the Unser IndyCar Open Test will serve as a critical benchmark as teams prepare for the upcoming IndyCar season. With the performances from both veterans and rookies, the competition is expected to be fierce as teams finalize their strategies and setups.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We got through everything we wanted, and obviously, when you can do that it’s a good day,” — Alexander Rossi, Ed Carpenter Racing
- “We're pretty happy in the ECR camp,” — Christian Rasmussen, Ed Carpenter Racing
- “It feels good to be P1, but at the end of the day, we just ran through our test items,” — David Malukas, Team Penske
