Three mandatory stops for the Grand Prix of Indianapolis

The Grand Prix of Indianapolis, the fifth round of the season, is not usually the one with the most twists and turns. On a perfectly smooth surface, with a "European" layout, the Speedway infield does not highlight the usual characteristics of racing.IndyCar. In view of the first rounds of the championship, which resulted in 339 laps under the green flag (out of 345) and generally very processional races, the American single-seater championship is inspired by the Formula 1 and is changing its rules for the Indianapolis GP. Like the Monaco Grand Prix, where two stops will be mandatory, IndyCar will require its teams to use at least two sets of soft tires and two sets of hard tires.

As it stands, this means teams are forced to stop three times in order to complete the required four stints. The stated objective is to allow drivers to push relentlessly throughout the event, without also having to save fuel. It remains to be seen how the entire weekend will work around this rule, with only five sets of hard tires and four sets of soft tires allowed over the two days of the event.

While IndyCar isn't officially concerned about the direction road and street racing has taken since the introduction of hybrid power in July, this change shows that behind the scenes, concerns remain. The series is in its first year of a lucrative television contract with FOX, and the quality of the product offered is essential to attract new fans on a long-term basis. While the quality of the broadcast itself is important, it can only be enhanced by exciting races and great on-track battles. Something IndyCar has been sorely lacking for several months now.

It also remains to be seen whether Alex Palou, who dominates the 2025 championship with three wins in four races, will be disturbed by this sudden change in regulations, which could then come into effect for more races, if this first test in Indianapolis is conclusive.

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