The Arrow McLaren IndyCar team will have its initial glimpse at the driving abilities and technical input of Callum Ilott, who will step in and participate in a test on behalf of the recently-injured David Malukas.
Ilott will join the team on Wednesday, February 21 as part of its rotation of drivers for this week’s test of the hybrid engine at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
“Clearly, I sympathize with David and the team,” Ilott expressed. “It’s not easy to be in this position, especially just before the start of the season. I wish him the best and a quick recovery. I’m glad to be able to assist the team, and it’s an honor to test this week with Arrow McLaren. I’m grateful that they are considering me for this opportunity.”
The team’s opportunity to evaluate Ilott follows a cycling accident that Malukas experienced, resulting in wrist surgery and a recovery period that will prevent him from participating in the IndyCar season opener in St Petersburg on March 10. After this week’s hybrid test, all teams will travel to Sebring International Raceway next week for a two-day test where every full-time entry is expected to be in action.
With the potential of having one or two vacancies to fill for the 2025 season, the Arrow McLaren team was eager to learn more about Ilott through the strategic partnership it established during the offseason with Juncos Hollinger Racing, where Ilott began his IndyCar journey late in 2021. However, with Ilott’s departure late last year, that opportunity vanished until the situation with Malukas arose.
Due to the timing of the split with JHR, Ilott was unable to secure a paying position in IndyCar, and as a result, he accepted a full-season offer to compete in a hybrid Porsche 963 prototype with the Jota Team Hertz program in the FIA World Endurance Championship. Ilott’s responsibilities in the WEC will intensify this weekend as he is scheduled to test in Qatar at the official Prologue event from February 24-25.
Replacing Malukas in the Sebring test on February 26-27 would pose a logistical challenge for Ilott due to his commitments with Jota, but he could be selected to race for the team at St. Petersburg, which takes place one week after the WEC race in Qatar. The team will make a decision on who will drive the No. 6 Chevy at a later date.
“We all wish David a quick recovery, and in the meantime, we’re exploring some options with the Arrow McLaren Chevrolet crew,” stated team principal Gavin Ward. “Callum had a seat fitting last week and will test with us in Homestead, and we’re excited to collaborate with him this week. Then, hopefully, we’ll be able to confirm our lineup for St. Pete soon after.”
According to the Source racer.com