P1racenews AI automatic summary:
IndyCar delays official launch of hybrid to after Indy 500
The 2.2-litre twin turbocharged V-6 engine with hybrid technology was originally scheduled to be ready for the season-opening Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on 10 March, after rigorous testing for over a year. Despite logging 15,256 miles of testing over the last three months, IndyCar has decided to delay the introduction of the hybrid power unit until the second half of the season. Additional testing and development will continue through the winter and spring months in preparation for the 2024 race. The partnership between Chevrolet and Honda has been instrumental in the development of this unique hybrid unit, which aims to enhance racing action with additional horsepower and more overtake options. The hybrid system consists of the Motor Generator Unit (MGU) and Energy Storage System (ESS), and multiple regeneration and deployment strategies have been tested. The hybrid power unit will provide extra horsepower through the same motor generator, without any restrictions on usage during a race.
