The 2014 Indycar season will begin with manufacturer and team tests in the first few months of the calendar year, leading up to the race schedule in late March. Technical changes have not yet been finalized, although increased safety and horsepower are said to be on Derrick Walker's agenda. The vast majority of teams and drivers have already taken part in post-season testing, notable exceptions being Bryan Herta Autosport and Panther who have not announced their line-ups.
Schedule
The 500-mile oval Triple Crown will make a return (Pocono having been 400 miles in 2013) with the $1 million prize for winning all three races on offer. A $250,000 payout for winning two of the three events serves as a consolation prize. Sao Paulo is no longer on the schedule due to the financial collapse of Band TV, and Baltimore has been removed for 2014-2015 due to event conflicts. The oval races at Iowa, Texas and Milwaukee were all lengthened. The inaugural Grand Prix of Indianapolis on an improved version of the infield road course has been added prior to the Indy 500.
Team/driver changes
Mazda Road to Indy / US junior series
The schedule for Indy Lights, Pro Mazda and USF2000 announced in October remains unchanged. A better picture of the series' team\driver line-ups is likely to emerge following pre-season tests and the Winterfest races in February. Links to US, Canadian, and British Formula Ford championships in addition to Skip Barber are expected to be retained. (http://indylights2014.com/2013/mazda-road-to-indy-2014-schedule-confirmed/)
Schedule
The 500-mile oval Triple Crown will make a return (Pocono having been 400 miles in 2013) with the $1 million prize for winning all three races on offer. A $250,000 payout for winning two of the three events serves as a consolation prize. Sao Paulo is no longer on the schedule due to the financial collapse of Band TV, and Baltimore has been removed for 2014-2015 due to event conflicts. The oval races at Iowa, Texas and Milwaukee were all lengthened. The inaugural Grand Prix of Indianapolis on an improved version of the infield road course has been added prior to the Indy 500.
Team/driver changes
- Chip Ganassi Racing switched to Chevrolet engines, retaining 2013 champion Scott Dixon and maiden race winner Charlie Kimball. Tony Kanaan replaces the retiring Dario Franchitti, and Ryan Briscoe completes the four car line-up.
- Andretti Autosport returns to using Honda power, retaining Marco Andretti, Ryan Hunter-Reay and James Hinchcliffe. Carlos Munoz will compete for rookie of the year honours, replacing Ernesto Viso.
- Bryan Herta Autosport are expected to continue using Honda engines, but have not announced a driver for the 2014 season. After dismissing Alex Tagliani in mid-2013, Luca Filippi and John Hildebrand shared the race seat - they are likely to be the leading contenders for a full season drive in 2014.
- Dale Coyne Racing recently tested with Honda engines, and lead driver Justin Wilson has a contract option for 2014. Coyne is said to be looking for a full season driver in the second car, avoiding the persistent driver changes in 2013.
- Ed Carpenter Racing saw a major change, with owner-driver Ed Carpenter stepping down from street\road course racing for 2014. Mike Conway (also joining Toyota's WEC LMP1 effort) has been signed for those events instead. The team is highly likely to continue with Chevrolet power, as per the recent Sebring tests.
- KV Racing Technology responded to the departure of Tony Kanaan by signing Sebastien Bourdais on a 2-year deal. Negotiations for the second seat are still ongoing. The team will remain with Chevrolet for the foreseeable future.
- Panther have no confirmed driver for 2014. John Hildebrand, Ryan Briscoe and Oriol Servia piloted their lone entry at various points in the 2013 season.
- Rahal-Letterman-Lanigan Racing retains Graham Rahal for a second season, and opted to remain with Honda. Second and third drivers are possible but not yet confirmed.
- Sarah Fisher-Hartman Racing benefited from a strong sophomore season with Josef Newgarden, who returns for a third year with the team in 2014. An extension of the engine contract with Honda is on the cards.
- Schmidt-Petersen-Hamilton Motorsports became Honda's flagship team and signed Simon Pagenaud for a third season. Tristan Vautier was replaced by Mikhail Aleshin, who will be eligible for rookie of the year.
- Team Penske surprised the racing world by bringing Juan Pablo Montoya back to Indycar racing. They retain Helio Castroneves, Will Power and Chevrolet.
Mazda Road to Indy / US junior series
The schedule for Indy Lights, Pro Mazda and USF2000 announced in October remains unchanged. A better picture of the series' team\driver line-ups is likely to emerge following pre-season tests and the Winterfest races in February. Links to US, Canadian, and British Formula Ford championships in addition to Skip Barber are expected to be retained. (http://indylights2014.com/2013/mazda-road-to-indy-2014-schedule-confirmed/)
although the focus was on engine testing.