Robin Frijns happy with first IndyCar test

Robin Frijns enjoyed his first IndyCar test last week, the first time he has driven a high-downforce car since 2014 when he served as a test driver for Caterham in Formula One.

The 24-year-old Dutchman said that while the experience behind the wheel was physically demanding, driving an IndyCar suited him well.

"It was a bit physical for me because it has been a while since I drove a downforce car," he told RACER. "Like anyone, your body has to get used to it for one day and the second day would be fine – but I only had one day. It was a new experience; I was used to all the buttons and stuff [in F1], but here, the driver has to do everything himself in the car, which is a bit more of my style."

"I enjoyed it a lot; it was the first car with downforce I've driven in a few years since Formula 1, and I only drove that car three times with it," he said. "I always told myself I enjoy downforce cars more, so I'm thankful to Michael [Andretti] for the opportunity.

Although the first time behind the wheel of the car and the first time on track at Mid Ohio, the former Formula Renault 3.5 champion was comfortable and came close to matching former series champion and Indianapolis 500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay.

"It was my first time seeing the track and driving the car, and Ryan did the first 10 laps with new tires and did a good lap time. Then I jumped in and was straight on the pace," he said. "The second and third outings were good with the tires I had on, so we put a new set on and I almost matched Ryan's time. He's a very good driver, so it was a good benchmark to have."