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6

Indy Lights

It's much more similar to the european

single seaters compared to the previous

one, that was designed to run only on

ovals and was then adapted to

roadcourses. The roll-bar was designed to

resist to the same loads of an IndyCar

despite the reduced weight, the anti-

intrusion zylon panels were extended and

the sides of the cockpit comply with the F1

standards for more side protections. Like

its bigger sister, the inside of the cockpit

was fully covered with 5 centimeters of

expanded polypropylene. The same

protection material used on the inside of

the helmets».

How did you integrate and optimize

the production of the tub in Italy and

the other components in Indiana?

«Our headquarters in Indianapolis are

completely productive and operational, so

the integration wasn't a problem. The

contact and the communication is

constant, with the current information

systems everything is shared in real time

and it seems there is no distance.

Regarding the production, we divided the

tasks right from the start. The suspensions

and a part of the carbon fibre components

are produced in our Indianapolis

headquarters. Especially regarding the

consumable materials, we hope to

progressively move the production of spare

parts to Dallara LLC in order to improve

the efficiency and the customer service».

Does it have the same cockpit as the

upper category?

«The tub has a very similar shape and the

safety equipment are the same. In

agreement with Andersen Promotions, we

adopted the same homologation despite

the lower performance: safety comes first!

The most interesting thing is that the

inside shape and room of the cockpit are

exactly the same for the two cars. So if a

driver will have the chance to test on an

IndyCar, he will be able to bring his seat

which will fit on both chassis.

This is a clear advantage and

an additional charming feature».

What was the contribution of the

simulator?

«The simulator will definitely provide a lot

of help. The implementation of the model is

almost ready. Tristan Vautier and Josef

Newgarden contributed to validate and

develop it, providing a key feedback as they

compared the car's response in the simulator

and on-track. The simulator version will be

available for the teams before they will be

able to put the car on the track. So it's an

huge resource. It will be extremely helpful

with a car that is completely new, as said

before, for the drivers, teams and engineers.

Taking full advantage of it will be up to the

users' fantasy».

How did the first tests look like? What

was the feedback of drivers and teams?

«The new Indy Lights car has been really

quick right from the start, and the feedback

of the drivers very positive. They found a

lighter and more nimble car compared to

the previous one. It reacts better to the

driver inputs. The testing program started

with a little shakedown at Putnam Park,

close to Indianapolis, before continuing for

most part of August with Tristan Vautier

and Conor Daly. The distance covered was

comparable to what we will achieve during

one season and no issues emerged.

The scheduled was completed on the

6th of September with Scott Dixon,

James Hinchcliffe and Gabby Chaves at

Indianapolis. On the Indy oval, the

Colombian was also able to break the

previous track record. The teams

provided the new car with a very

warm welcome since its display at the

Indy 500 pagoda in May. During testing,

teams were rotating in attendance to have

first-hand impressions and gather technical

information. There is a lot of interest

and we are really satisfied because the car

matched all the early expectations».

When do you expect to deliver the cars?

«The first ten cars have already been

delivered to the teams starting from the last

14th of November, and more of them are

ready or currently being delivered.

Everything is ready for testing and for the

next season. At this moment, twelve teams

have confirmed their participation.

Our American colleagues and us

are working closely to provide the teams

with all the assistance they need to prepare

the cars».

How does your road-map to the first race

looks like?

«There's currently a lot going on with the

preparations as there will be several tests in

January and February at Palm Beach,

Homestead and Barber, both on ovals and

road courses. The 2015 calendar features 16

races, the first being on the 28th of March at

St. Petersburg. I can't wait!».