The first test session ahead of the $1 Million Challenge at The Thermal Club witnessed notable incidents, including Marcus Ericsson’s car experiencing a fire at the left front. As Ericsson maneuvered the road course, his No. 28 Andretti Global Honda encountered a concerning issue, prompting an investigation by his team.
Fragments of brake components were observed falling from the car upon returning to the pit lane, raising concerns about the safety and reliability of the braking system.
Kyle Kirkwood, Ericsson’s teammate, highlighted the significance of the issue, citing concerns regarding the new brakes introduced by PFC.
The incident adds to a series of brake-related issues observed during previous races, underscoring the challenges associated with managing brake temperatures and performance in high-stakes racing environments.
James Borner, Technical Program Manager for PFC Brakes, provided insights into the changes made to the carbon-carbon brake system for the current season. Despite efforts to enhance cooling and performance, incidents like Ericsson’s fire underscore the complexities of managing brake temperatures under extreme racing conditions.
As teams strive to address these challenges and optimize their setups, the incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing pursuit of safety and performance excellence in motorsports.