After three years of regular Penske dominance in IndyCar's manufacturer aerokit era, the series has booted the rulebook out of the nearest window for a season that also brings a reshuffle at the series' big three teams. IndyCar may have pondered pit rules changes to end the "randomness" in its races, but 2018 could still provide plenty of shocks.
For a start, IndyCar is levelling the playing field. After Chevrolet owned the manufacturer aerokits period, the new universal fitting means that Honda can no longer bemoan its Wirth Research-designed aerokit. Any differences will now be down purely to engine performance.
While some in the paddock are concerned that Honda holds a decent advantage on the engine front, leading drivers believe that the new aerokit - which features reduced downforce - will be harder to drive and will put a premium on talent.