News Summary
- Alex Dunne completed 55 laps in his first IndyCar test at Barber Motorsports Park, setting a best time of 1:07.674.
- The Irish Formula 2 contender finished second-fastest overall, just 0.117 seconds behind Hunter McElrea, after leading the morning running.
- Dunne remains a contender for a Dale Coyne Racing seat in 2027, although the team has not confirmed a deal.
Alex Dunne made an impressive first appearance in IndyCar machinery at Barber Motorsports Park on Monday (October 26), finishing second-fastest in a four-driver test as Dale Coyne Racing continues evaluating its options for the 2027 season. The Irish Formula 2 contender completed 55 laps in the team’s #19 Honda and recorded a best time of 1:07.674, initially leading the session before Hunter McElrea went faster later in the day.
The result gives Dunne a strong opening reference as he considers the possibility of moving from Formula 2 to American single-seater racing. The 20-year-old currently occupies third place in the 2026 F2 standings, with one victory and nine podium finishes, and has emerged as a candidate for one of Dale Coyne’s vacant IndyCar seats.
Dunne narrowly misses fastest time in first IndyCar test
Dunne drove during the morning session at Barber, sharing the #19 Dale Coyne Honda with Indy NXT champion Nikita Johnson, who took over the car in the afternoon.
The Irishman’s time remained the fastest of the day until McElrea, driving for Ed Carpenter Racing, completed a 1:07.557 lap.
Conor Daly, representing Dreyer & Reinbold Racing during the team’s preparations for its return to full-time IndyCar competition, recorded the third-fastest time.
Barber IndyCar test — Times
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Best lap | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | H. McELREA | Ed Carpenter Racing | 1:07.557 | — |
| 2 | A. DUNNE | Dale Coyne Racing | 1:07.674 | +0.117 |
| 3 | C. DALY | Dreyer & Reinbold Racing | 1:07.830 | +0.273 |
| 4 | N. JOHNSON | Dale Coyne Racing | 1:08.020 | +0.463 |
Reported times from the Barber evaluation test, rather than an official championship session.
Dunne’s competitive pace was particularly encouraging because he had never previously driven IndyCar’s Dallara DW12.
The car uses a 2.2-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine and generates different power delivery, downforce and braking characteristics from the Formula 2 machinery familiar to the Irishman.
Dunne admits IndyCar has become an attractive alternative to Formula 1
After completing the test, Dunne spoke positively about his first experience of an IndyCar.
“The car, the track, everything. I loved it all,” he told RACER.
The Irishman praised the power and downforce of the car and described Barber’s elevation changes as an enjoyable challenge.
Dunne also acknowledged that his original career ambition remains Formula 1, but securing a seat has become increasingly difficult.
He identified IndyCar as the alternative he would most like to pursue if an F1 opportunity does not materialise.
The comments make his test particularly significant because it was not simply an isolated development outing.
It represented an opportunity to evaluate a genuine alternative career path.
Dunne is still competing for the Formula 2 championship and must balance his immediate title ambitions with decisions about 2027.
Dale Coyne still evaluating drivers for 2027
Dale Coyne has not confirmed either of its regular drivers for next season, leaving the team central to the remaining IndyCar driver market.
The vacancy became more significant following Dennis Hauger’s move to AJ Foyt Racing.
As GRANDE PRÊMIO previously reported when Dunne’s evaluation was arranged, the Irishman is among the candidates under consideration.
Johnson, who won the 2026 Indy NXT title, is another contender and completed his own first IndyCar test at Barber.
Although Dunne set the quicker time, direct comparisons require caution because the drivers ran at different stages of the day and under potentially different conditions.
The team’s eventual decision will also involve technical feedback, funding, experience and longer-term development considerations.
For Dunne, Barber represents a promising beginning rather than a contract confirmation.
Dunne willing to tackle IndyCar’s oval challenge
An IndyCar move would require Dunne to adapt to a broader range of circuits than those used in Formula 2.
The championship combines permanent road courses, street circuits and oval tracks.
Dunne acknowledged that oval racing would present a new challenge, but expressed enthusiasm for learning the discipline.
He has followed IndyCar through race broadcasts and simulator driving and believes his preference for high-speed corners could help with the transition.
However, he also recognised that racing on ovals involves technical details not immediately apparent to spectators.
The next step depends on Dale Coyne’s evaluation and the availability of a suitable agreement for 2027.
GRANDE PRÊMIO is following the IndyCar driver market, Dale Coyne Racing’s 2027 plans and preparations for the new season, with full coverage in its IndyCar section.
