INDIANAPOLIS — During Tuesday’s (April 28) portion of the annual Open Test ahead of the 2026 Indianapolis 500, former Formula 1 racer Mick Schumacher completed his Rookie Orientation Program (ROP). That means he’s been cleared to practice and qualify for the 110th running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.
Below is a video taken from the grandstands at the entrance of turn 1 showing Mick going onto the track and completing several laps during the first phase of the ROP.
With only 33 entries for this year’s race, Schumacher will not have to go through the trials of Bump Day, in which the field is narrowed down to 33 cars with at least one entry failing to make the race. Instead, the German driver and the Rahal team are free to focus on optimizing their race package as the next few weeks of practice roll on.
What is the Rookie Orientation Program?
IndyCar mandates that all drivers who have yet to race in the Indianapolis 500 must complete an orientation program designed to acclimate drivers to the high speeds of the 2.5-mile oval.
Drivers must complete 40 laps in three speed phases. Phase one is designated as 10 laps between 205 and 210 mph. Phase two is 15 laps between 210 and 215 mph and phase three is 15 more laps above 215 mph. The laps do not need to be consecutive and can be completed in multiple stints.
Veterans who haven’t raced an IndyCar oval race since the previous Indianapolis 500 have to do a refresher test, which is the second and third phases of the ROP. Once a driver has passed all phases, they are clear to practice once the month of May track activity begins.
Christopher DeHarde has covered IndyCar racing and the Road to Indy for various outlets since 2014. In addition to open wheel racing, DeHarde has also covered IMSA and various short track racing events around Indiana. Originally from New Orleans, DeHarde moved to the Indianapolis area in 2017 to further pursue a career as a motorsports writer.