McLaren will run Callum Ilott in an IndyCar test this week as it seeks a substitute for injured driver David Malukas.
The team is gearing up for a three-day test of its hybrid power unit at the Miami Homestead oval starting tomorrow. Ilott will take the wheel for the team on the second day of the test.
Ilott has been competing in IndyCar for the past two years with Juncos Hollinger, which established a technical partnership with McLaren towards the end of last season. Unfortunately, he found himself without a seat for this season after being replaced by Romain Grosjean.
However, McLaren’s new recruit Malukas sustained a dislocated left wrist during a training accident last week. As a result, he is likely to miss the opening rounds of the season, which kick off at St Petersburg on March 10th.
McLaren has mentioned that they are still exploring options for their reserve driver line-up. Nevertheless, Ilott’s upcoming test suggests that he is a strong candidate to join Pato O’Ward and Alexander Rossi at the team for the initial rounds. The two regular drivers are scheduled to participate in the test on Tuesday and Thursday respectively.
Ilott, who recently visited the team for a seat fitting, expressed his sympathy for Malukas. “I truly feel for David and the team,” he mentioned. “It’s a tough situation to be in, especially right before the start of the season. I wish him a quick recovery and all the best.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to assist the team and to be testing with Arrow McLaren this week. It’s an honor that they are considering me for this role.”
McLaren team principal Gavin Ward stated that they are aiming to finalize their driver line-up for the first race of the season shortly after the Homestead test. The IndyCar season has a six-week gap between the first two rounds, with a non-championship race at the Thermal Club two weeks after the season opener.
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