Sebring Test Showcases IndyCar's Rising Stars

Armstrong impresses, Grosjean eyes return as teams prepare for 2026 season

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

IndyCar's private test at Sebring International Raceway on February 10-11 offered a glimpse into team preparations for the 2026 season. Honda-powered drivers dominated the time sheets, with Marcus Armstrong of Meyer Shank Racing posting the fastest overall lap time. Armstrong's performance suggests he could be a championship contender, while four-time series champion Alex Palou remained a force to be reckoned with. The test also saw Romain Grosjean turn laps for Dale Coyne Racing, potentially signaling a return to the series.

Why it matters

The Sebring test provided valuable data points for teams as they gear up for the 2026 season. The strong showing by Honda-powered drivers and the emergence of rising stars like Marcus Armstrong highlight the competitive landscape in IndyCar. Grosjean's potential return also adds intrigue, as the veteran driver looks to continue his career after a successful stint in the series.

The details

Across the four testing sessions, Honda-powered drivers consistently topped the time sheets. Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing led the first session, while Marcus Armstrong and Kyle Kirkwood also secured fastest times in subsequent sessions. Armstrong's performance, with the fastest overall lap time of 52.373 seconds, suggests he could be a serious championship contender in 2026. Palou, a four-time series champion, reaffirmed his position as a top driver, setting the pace in the opening session. Romain Grosjean, who debuted with Dale Coyne Racing in 2021, turned laps for the team, potentially signaling a return to the series.

  • The Sebring test took place on February 10-11, 2026.
  • The Unser INDYCAR Open Test at Phoenix Raceway will be held on February 17-18, 2026.

The players

Marcus Armstrong

A driver for Meyer Shank Racing who posted the fastest overall lap time of 52.373 seconds during the Sebring test, suggesting he could be a championship contender in 2026.

Alex Palou

A four-time IndyCar Series champion who reaffirmed his position as a top driver by setting the pace in the opening session of the Sebring test.

Romain Grosjean

A veteran driver known as 'The Phoenix' after surviving a severe crash in Formula One, who turned laps for Dale Coyne Racing during the Sebring test, potentially signaling a return to the series.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES will continue testing with the Unser INDYCAR Open Test at Phoenix Raceway on February 17-18, 2026. This test will focus on oval racing, as Phoenix returns to the series schedule for the first time since 2018.

The takeaway

The Sebring test showcased the competitive landscape in IndyCar, with Honda-powered drivers dominating the time sheets and rising stars like Marcus Armstrong emerging as potential championship contenders. The potential return of veteran driver Romain Grosjean also adds intrigue to the 2026 season, as teams continue to prepare for the upcoming campaign.