The Arrow McLaren IndyCar team will get a first look at Callum Ilott’s driving skills and technical feedback, as he will test in place of the recently injured David Malukas.
Ilott will join the team on Wednesday, February 21, as part of the driver rotation for this week’s hybrid engine test at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
“Obviously I feel sorry for David and the team,” Ilott said in a statement. “Being in this position is not easy, especially so close to the start of the season. I wish him all the best and a speedy recovery. I’m delighted I can support the team, and it’s an honor to test this week with Arrow McLaren. I’m grateful they’re considering me for the position.”
The team’s opportunity to test Ilott comes after Malukas was involved in a bike accident that necessitated wrist surgery and resulted in a rehabilitation period that will prevent him from racing in IndyCar’s season opening at St. Petersburg on March 10. Following this week’s hybrid test, all teams will go to Sebring International Raceway next week for a two-day test in which all full-time entries are scheduled to compete.
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With one or two spots to fill moving into 2025, the Arrow McLaren team was eager to learn more about Ilott through a strategic connection forged during the winter with Juncos Hollinger Racing, where Ilott began his IndyCar career late in 2021. However, with Ilott’s departure late last year, that possibility was lost until the Malukas scenario emerged.
Because of the timing of his departure from JHR, Ilott was unable to obtain a paying seat in IndyCar, so he accepted a full-season offer to participate in a hybrid Porsche 963 prototype with the Jota Team Hertz program in the FIA World Endurance Championship. Ilott’s WEC obligations will ratchet up this weekend, as he is scheduled to test in Qatar during the official Prologue event on February 24-25.
Making the Feb. 26-27 test at Sebring in place of Malukas would be a logistical challenge for Ilott due to his duties with Jota, but he might be selected to race for the team at St. Petersburg, which is one week after the WEC race in Qatar. The team will decide who will drive the No. 6 Chevrolet at a later date.
“We all wish David a speedy recovery, and we’re working out some options with the Arrow McLaren Chevrolet crew in the meantime,” Gavin Ward, the team’s chief operating officer, stated. “Callum had a seat fit last week and will test with us in Homestead, and we’re forward to work with him this week. Then, hopefully, we’ll be able to confirm our roster for St. Petersburg shortly thereafter.”
