Alex Dunne Completes IndyCar Test at Barber
The Formula 2 driver logged 55 laps at the Alabama road course behind the wheel of a Dale Coyne Racing Honda.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Motorsports
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Alex Dunne participated in an IndyCar test session at Barber Motorsports Park, where he completed 55 laps. The test also featured drivers Hunter McElrea, Conor Daly, and Nikita Johnson navigating the 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 powered Dallara DW12 chassis.
Why it matters
This session allows teams to evaluate young talent, with Dunne potentially being signed by Dale Coyne Racing for the upcoming season. The track time serves as a critical bridge for drivers transitioning from junior series to the IndyCar circuit.
Hunter McElrea set the fastest lap of 1m07.557s, narrowly edging out Alex Dunne who recorded a 1m07.674s lap. Other times included Conor Daly at 1m07.830s and Nikita Johnson at 1m08.020s.
The players
Alex Dunne
He is a competitive racing driver currently holding third place in the Formula 2 standings.
Hunter McElrea
He is a professional racing driver who set the fastest lap time during the test session.
Dale Coyne Racing
This is a long-standing IndyCar Series team that fields Honda-powered entries.
Conor Daly
He is an experienced IndyCar driver known for his tenure with various teams including Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.
Nikita Johnson
He is an emerging driver who piloted the No. 19 Dale Coyne Racing Honda during the session.
The details
Drivers operated Dallara DW12 chassis equipped with 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 engines to complete laps around the road course. Alex Dunne, currently third in the Formula 2 standings, shared the track with veteran competitor Conor Daly and Nikita Johnson.
Timeline
October 26, 2026: Alex Dunne participated in the IndyCar test session.
Season Trajectory
This test follows the established pattern of the IndyCar Rookie Evaluation Test program, where teams assess driver capabilities before finalizing season rosters. Successfully transitioning from Formula 2 to IndyCar remains a primary focus for teams looking to bolster their competitive standing for the next year.
This session provides a data-driven look at potential rookie arrivals who could impact team performance and standings next season. The lap times highlight the comparative pace of drivers vying for limited seats in a highly competitive grid.
The takeaway
Testing sessions at Barber provide teams with essential performance data to evaluate driver potential against veteran benchmarks. Enthusiasts should monitor off-season driver signings to see how these test performances translate into official team roster moves.
Further reading
For more on the current circuit updates, visit Motorsports.
Source note: This article includes information reported by RACER.
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