IndyCar News: Rahal Comments on Hybrid System Testing at Milwaukee Mile
Graham Rahal, driver of the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda, shared his thoughts on the new common hybrid system after a 20-car group test at the Milwaukee Mile on Tuesday. The test marked a significant milestone, with each car equipped with the hybrid system, set to make its official race debut on July 5-7 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Hybrid testing began in August 2023, with development running shared between engine suppliers Chevrolet (Arrow McLaren and Team Penske) and Honda (Andretti Global and Chip Ganassi Racing). However, smaller IndyCar teams only got access to the system for real during a test at the Indianapolis Road Course in March, which included Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
“I think the teams that got all the hybrid testing flat out… I don’t care what they say, it’s a huge advantage,” Rahal said. “There’s so much to change: manual regen, auto regen, how much regen, what’s the gain, what’s this, what’s that. It’s the opposite of F1 where it’s pre-programmed and the driver just drives.”
The hybrid powerplant features additional overtake (push-to-pass) options, allowing drivers more choices and control, which is expected to enhance on-track competition. The system comprises a low-voltage (48V) motor generator unit (MGU) and energy storage system (ESS), which fits inside the bell housing between the internal combustion engine and the gearbox. During regeneration, the MGU builds power stored in the ESS, and the additional horsepower is deployed through the same motor generator upon driver demand.
Rahal emphasized that the system’s complexity requires a lot of learning in a short period. “There’s a hell of a lot to learn in a very short period of time, unfortunately,” he said.
The test at Milwaukee Mile included some race simulations, with the field divided into two groups to mimic close racing. Rahal noted that the hybrid system’s effect was more pronounced during race simulations.
“On the simulated restarts we were doing, when you utilize it, it’s a clear boost. I would also say in traffic when you get really bogged down, it was nice to be able to pull the deploy and really feel a lot of gain.”
Rahal believes that the new hybrid system will positively impact racing in the 2023 IndyCar season.
“That can make racing quite interesting, I think. As challenging as it is to remind yourself of it all the time, I think the net effect is going to be positive.”
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