Benjamin Pedersen tested at Sebring with Juncos

Benjamin Pedersen completed his first IndyCar test at Sebring with Juncos. Before making his debut with AJ Foyt Racing?

Published on 29/06/2022 à 11:05

Valentin GLO

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Benjamin Pedersen tested at Sebring with Juncos

Benjamin Pedersen tested at Sebring with Juncos (Photo: IndyCar)

Benjamin Pedersen had the opportunity to carry out his first test in a car IndyCar in Sebring (Florida), Monday June 27. The young American born in Copenhagen (Denmark) sat for a day in the seat of the No. 77 Chevrolet of the Juncos Hollinger Racing team, usually used by Callum Ilott. He even set the best time of the afternoon against the Rahal Letterman Lanigan cars also on the track.

“It was a wonderful day, said Pedersen, third in the IndyLights championship with HMD Motorsports. It was my first day in an Indy car, and it was probably a really, really good start. It's very good for confidence. I started training specifically for IndyCar single-seaters a year ago, knowing that would be the next step, so I had the right physical level. It's nice to see that my hard work has paid off. »

“The car is much faster than its Indy Lights counterpart approaching each corner, and it slows down much more efficiently, he added. So you need to know how to use carbon brakes with a much more aggressive mindset. VSIt's really impressive how a heavier car is able to slow down with all the aero, the brakes, the tires, the shocks. »

Debut with AJ Foyt Racing?

After this successful first test, Benjamin Pedersen hopes to secure more IndyCar tests and opportunities in the series for 2023. Although no announcement is imminent, the driver is working towards a full-time arrival at the highest level of the northern pyramid -American single-seater. This year, he was notably immersed in the AJ Foyt Racing team with rookie Kyle Kirkwood, even participating in certain team meetings. A first race this year in theyear 11 shared by Tatiana Calderón, on the circuits, and JR Hildebrand, on the ovals, was also mentioned.

The future of the team nevertheless seems unclear, since rumors indicate payment delays from sponsor ROKiT. The team's three single-seaters should be present at Mid-Ohio this weekend, the ninth round of the season, but it is not certain that the brand will be present on the liveries of Kirkwood and Calderón. What the team confirmed. The rest of the Colombian's season beyond Sunday could even be compromised. His teammate Kirkwood has already found refuge with Andretti for 2023. Pedersen's debut in IndyCar could therefore wait.

ALSO READ > Kyle Kirkwood to join Andretti Autosport in 2023

Valentin GLO

Journalist. Endurance reporter (WEC, IMSA, ELMS, ALMS) and sometimes F1 or IndyCar.

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