Six NTT INDYCAR SERIES teams started a fact-finding mission Thursday on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, using the new hybrid system on the series’ 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged engine for the first time. 15 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda, said he can feel the instantaneous power of the hybrid. The new technology will provide numerous new strategic options for the drivers and teams, Rahal said. Rahal said the hybrid will create quicker times in qualifying and, interestingly, could change the handling of the car. “It’s not like push-to-pass where that’s limited,” Rahal said. He said onboard starting should create less stoppages in practice, qualifying and the race. Before Thursday’s test, more than than 21,108 miles had been successfully completed with the new power unit among 15 NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers.

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