Herta and O’Ward face “big challenge” if McLaren offers practice run

In brief

Herta and O’Ward face “big challenge” if McLaren offers practice run – Seidl

McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl says IndyCar drivers Colton Herta or Patricio O’Ward will face a “big challenge” if the team invites them to take part in a Friday practice session this season

Current IndyCar drivers O’Ward and Herta have both tested the 2021 McLaren MCL35M, O’Ward taking part in the post-season test in Yas Marina in December, while Herta tested the car over two days at the Autodromo do Algarve last week.

The 2022 F1 regulations oblige every team to run inexperienced drivers in at least two Friday practice sessions during the season. Seidl says the two drivers will find it challenging to adjust to the new ground effect cars for the 2022 season in the hour they would have in the car should McLaren offer them one of their practice runs.

“Of course, with the 22 cars definitely being significantly different in terms of characteristics to last year’s car, it is not easy” said Seidl. “And then to only have 60 minutes is a big challenge – doesn’t matter for which driver. But that’s the challenge we are all in this year, all teams.

“The key will be when you do this session to then make sure that don’t put yourself as a driver, but also from team side, under too much pressure. We shouldn’t forget that we run the race cars there that we need to complete the rest of the weekend with race engines in and potential race gearboxes as well. So I guess whoever will sit in this car, knowing about how big this challenge is, we will definitely take a very conservative approach together with the driver.”

IndyCar medical director Billows to retire after season

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