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Indy Lights
It's much more similar to the european
single seaters compared to the previous
one, that was designed to run only on
ovals and was then adapted to
roadcourses. The roll-bar was designed to
resist to the same loads of an IndyCar
despite the reduced weight, the anti-
intrusion zylon panels were extended and
the sides of the cockpit comply with the F1
standards for more side protections. Like
its bigger sister, the inside of the cockpit
was fully covered with 5 centimeters of
expanded polypropylene. The same
protection material used on the inside of
the helmets».
How did you integrate and optimize
the production of the tub in Italy and
the other components in Indiana?
«Our headquarters in Indianapolis are
completely productive and operational, so
the integration wasn't a problem. The
contact and the communication is
constant, with the current information
systems everything is shared in real time
and it seems there is no distance.
Regarding the production, we divided the
tasks right from the start. The suspensions
and a part of the carbon fibre components
are produced in our Indianapolis
headquarters. Especially regarding the
consumable materials, we hope to
progressively move the production of spare
parts to Dallara LLC in order to improve
the efficiency and the customer service».
Does it have the same cockpit as the
upper category?
«The tub has a very similar shape and the
safety equipment are the same. In
agreement with Andersen Promotions, we
adopted the same homologation despite
the lower performance: safety comes first!
The most interesting thing is that the
inside shape and room of the cockpit are
exactly the same for the two cars. So if a
driver will have the chance to test on an
IndyCar, he will be able to bring his seat
which will fit on both chassis.
This is a clear advantage and
an additional charming feature».
What was the contribution of the
simulator?
«The simulator will definitely provide a lot
of help. The implementation of the model is
almost ready. Tristan Vautier and Josef
Newgarden contributed to validate and
develop it, providing a key feedback as they
compared the car's response in the simulator
and on-track. The simulator version will be
available for the teams before they will be
able to put the car on the track. So it's an
huge resource. It will be extremely helpful
with a car that is completely new, as said
before, for the drivers, teams and engineers.
Taking full advantage of it will be up to the
users' fantasy».
How did the first tests look like? What
was the feedback of drivers and teams?
«The new Indy Lights car has been really
quick right from the start, and the feedback
of the drivers very positive. They found a
lighter and more nimble car compared to
the previous one. It reacts better to the
driver inputs. The testing program started
with a little shakedown at Putnam Park,
close to Indianapolis, before continuing for
most part of August with Tristan Vautier
and Conor Daly. The distance covered was
comparable to what we will achieve during
one season and no issues emerged.
The scheduled was completed on the
6th of September with Scott Dixon,
James Hinchcliffe and Gabby Chaves at
Indianapolis. On the Indy oval, the
Colombian was also able to break the
previous track record. The teams
provided the new car with a very
warm welcome since its display at the
Indy 500 pagoda in May. During testing,
teams were rotating in attendance to have
first-hand impressions and gather technical
information. There is a lot of interest
and we are really satisfied because the car
matched all the early expectations».
When do you expect to deliver the cars?
«The first ten cars have already been
delivered to the teams starting from the last
14th of November, and more of them are
ready or currently being delivered.
Everything is ready for testing and for the
next season. At this moment, twelve teams
have confirmed their participation.
Our American colleagues and us
are working closely to provide the teams
with all the assistance they need to prepare
the cars».
How does your road-map to the first race
looks like?
«There's currently a lot going on with the
preparations as there will be several tests in
January and February at Palm Beach,
Homestead and Barber, both on ovals and
road courses. The 2015 calendar features 16
races, the first being on the 28th of March at
St. Petersburg. I can't wait!».