Brazilian Drivers Shine in Intense Mid-Ohio Testing Day
On a vibrant Wednesday, the iconic Mid-Ohio circuit played host to a significant rookie test and driver evaluation for the IndyCar Series. The event proved to be a remarkable showcase for Brazilian motorsport, with drivers Felipe Nasr and Caio Collet capturing the top two spots. Their impressive lap times suggested that, in a real qualifying scenario, they would have secured positions in the Fast Six for this year’s Grand Prix.
The testing session was action-packed, featuring a variety of incidents, notable debuts, and outstanding performances that placed these young talents in the spotlight of the IndyCar silly season.
Morning Chaos with Crashes
The testing day started with excitement as the Norwegian driver Dennis Hauger, who was recently promoted from the Indy NXT series by Dale Coyne Racing, found himself in trouble right away. The 2025 champion of the feeder series lost control of his vehicle during his installation lap and crashed, failing to register a competitive time.
Just before the lunch break, it was Felipe Nasr’s turn to face the wall, despite leading the session. Driving for Team Penske, Nasr’s crash marked a pivotal moment as he was unable to continue in the session. At that point, the intermediate standings showed Nasr leading with a time of 1:07.749, closely followed by Dutch driver Niels Koolen from Chip Ganassi Racing (1:07.752) and Brazilian Caio Collet driving for AJ Foyt Racing (1:07.854). Japanese driver Kakunoshin Ohta from Meyer Shank Racing was in fourth with a time of 1:08.244, while Hauger remained time-less due to his earlier incident.
Brazilian Dominance in the Afternoon Session
Once the cars were repaired and the track conditions improved, the focus shifted from caution to speed. Felipe Nasr delivered an outstanding performance with Team Penske, clocking a blistering 1:05.715, which was only 0.116 seconds quicker than Caio Collet, who made an impressive debut with AJ Foyt Racing by posting a time of 1:05.831.
These remarkable lap times were not just impressive; they would have easily qualified both drivers for the Fast Six in the upcoming Grand Prix at Mid-Ohio in 2025. This demonstrated that the Brazilian duo not only adapted quickly to the car and track but also exhibited top-tier racing potential.
Meanwhile, Hauger managed to recover from his earlier crash, finishing third with a time of 1:06.232, albeit still trailing behind the leaders. Koolen dropped to fourth place with a time of 1:06.649, while Ohta rounded out the top five with a time of 1:06.850.
Final Results from Mid-Ohio Testing
The concluding standings for the day at Mid-Ohio were as follows:
| Position | Team | Driver | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| P1 | Team Penske | Felipe Nasr | 1:05.715 |
| P2 | AJ Foyt Racing | Caio Collet | 1:05.831 |
| P3 | Dale Coyne Racing | Dennis Hauger | 1:06.232 |
| P4 | Chip Ganassi Racing | Niels Koolen | 1:06.649 |
| P5 | Meyer Shank Racing | Kakunoshin Ohta | 1:06.850 |
Implications for the Silly Season
Collet’s performance could significantly impact the decision-making process at AJ Foyt Racing, as the team is considering him as a prime candidate to replace David Malukas in car #4 for the 2026 season. Nasr’s impressive test results further reinforce his status as a talent ready for the IndyCar series, making him an attractive option for any team looking for a last-minute replacement.
Despite the crashes, Hauger demonstrated why Dale Coyne Racing invested in his promotion to the top tier of racing. Koolen and Ohta, on the other hand, are still in the adaptation phase but have shown glimpses of their potential.
The primary goal of the test was to evaluate candidates for key positions in 2026, and the results were clear: Brazilian talent emerged from Mid-Ohio with a strong performance and renewed confidence.
The Future of Brazilian Drivers in IndyCar
With Felipe Nasr and Caio Collet showing such promising results, the future of Brazilian drivers in IndyCar looks bright. Their ability to perform under pressure and to adapt swiftly to the demands of the series is a testament to their skill and preparation. As they continue to develop and hone their talents, fans and teams alike will be eager to see how they perform in actual races.
The exposure gained from this testing session could also open up new sponsorship opportunities and partnerships for both drivers. In motorsport, visibility is crucial, and with their standout performances, Nasr and Collet have made a compelling case for why they deserve to be in the spotlight.
As the IndyCar season progresses, the implications of this testing day will unfold. Teams will be closely monitoring the performance of these drivers, and it will be interesting to see how their experiences influence their future races. The Brazilian motorsport community is undoubtedly excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for these talented individuals.
Conclusion
The testing day at Mid-Ohio was a significant moment for Brazilian motorsport, showcasing the talent and potential of Felipe Nasr and Caio Collet. Their performances not only highlighted their capabilities but also set the stage for their future endeavors in the IndyCar series. As the silly season approaches, all eyes will be on these two drivers to see how they capitalize on their recent success and continue to make their mark in the world of motorsport.
