Rossi was one of the drivers to experiment with the underwing strakes during Friday’s two-hour Carb Day practice, that IndyCar has opened up for use along with bargeboards and an increased range of rear wing angles.
Drivers have continued to complain about the ability to overtake, especially when mired in a pack of cars, but Rossi is sure it’s a step forward from a competition standpoint.
“It’s hard to pass, so IndyCar has given us more downforce options, which certainly hasn’t solved the main problem of being able to follow when you’re three, four, five cars deep,” said Rossi. “But it’s supposed to be hard! The harder it is, it separates the good cars from the not-so-good cars.
“I think what you’re going to see this year, which is great, is that because there are more downforce options, people aren’t going to be running the same things.
“In years past, everyone ran the same option. I think you’ll see some comers and goers in the race, which I think will be very exciting.”
Rossi, the 2016 winner who finished fifth last year, will make his first Indy 500 start outside the Andretti Autosport and Honda family. He thinks that his knowledge of the rival’s engine – along with the arrival of veteran team-mate Tony Kanaan for a one-off start – has been beneficial in Chevrolet’s favor.
“Oh yeah, there’s certainly a difference,” when asked by Motorsport.com what he’s felt from the switch to Chevy power. “And that’s been a positive thing that myself and Tony have been able to bring to the table.
“Talking to Chevy and the team, we can very clearly point out the strengths and weaknesses of the package, and work to improve it and make it better. I think that’s been a good asset to have this month, certainly for the rest of the year.”
McLaren starts the 107th Indy 500 with all four of its cars inside the top nine positions, with Rossi going off from the inside of the third row.
“I think certainly we have an amazing shot with four very good racecars and see if Sunday is our day,” he said. “Obviously we’ve had years where nobody wants to lead, and then a year like 2019 where Simon [Pagenaud] wanted to lead the whole thing.
“You can win this race so many different ways, so I don’t know that anyone is too concerned about fuel mileage, it’s the strategy game with the driver – it’s easy to save fuel with the slipstream – so we’ll have to wait and see how it unfolds.”
