Scott McLaughlin has landed a big statement in the open IndyCar test at the Circuit of the Americas, with the Supercars champion third overall on combined times.

The Shell V-Power Racing star, who will compete in a Team Penske #2 Chevrolet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May, took to the Austin circuit alongside 26 top IndyCar runners in a two-day test.

Although the first day of running was spoiled by rain, the field returned on Wednesday for the second day – and it was McLaughlin lighting up the timesheets to leave a mark on America’s premier open wheel series.

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Penske’s Australian veteran, Will Power, topped the times ahead of Andretti Autosports’ Alexander Rossi by 0.2396s, with McLaughlin half a second down.

McLaughlin logged 62 laps, and narrowly ousted Penske stablemate and reigning series champion Josef Newgarden by 0.0120s.

Getting used to the Dallara IR-18, considering its differences to his Ford Mustang Supercar, proved little concern for McLaughlin at COTA – a circuit he visited in his maiden full-time Supercars season in 2013.

Scott McLaughlin prepares to drive at Circuit of The Americas.

Last month, the 26-year-old tested at Sebring and was on the pace, finishing third in a rookie evaluation day at the Florida circuit.

With prying eyes on the Kiwi at COTA, McLaughlin excelled and remained at the sharp end for much of the day’s running on Wednesday.

McLaughlin had previously spoken of adapting to the physicality of the IndyCar versus the Supercar, and reiterated the point during Wednesday’s running.

“There is so much grip in these cars. It is hard on your neck … I’ve been training really hard for this,” he said during the test.

“The speed I can carry through the corners … it’s insane.

“I’m getting used to being able to use the aero. You feel every bump. The G-forces are huge. Your neck gets a hammering … I have a new sense of speed.”

‘It’s fast, it’s got so much grip.’

Speaking after the opening day was called due to bad weather, McLaughlin described the initial challenges he has faced with the transition from tin-top to open-wheeler.

Notably, McLaughlin – like the rest of the field – had to contend with the aeroscreen brought in from 2020.

Regardless, he remained pleased with his progress as he counts down the days to his competitive debut at the GMR Grand Prix on May 9.

“I probably wouldn’t like to go from an IndyCar to a Supercar,” said McLaughlin.

“There’s lower power in the Supercar, well, it’s got a lot of power but less grip. Not as much brakes and less aero. That would be a bit tough.

“It’s not easier but … natural. You just get more grip, more tyre, and all that sort of stuff. I definitely don’t mind the way I’ve gone.”

INDYCAR SPRING TRAINING 2020 COMBINED TIMES (TOP 10)

1st: Will Power (Team Penske) 1:46.7603

2nd: Alexander Rossi (Andretti Autosport) +0.2396s

3rd: Scott McLaughlin (Team Penske) +0.5027s

4th: Josef Newgarden (Team Penske) +0.5147s

5th: Colton Herta (Andretti Harding Steinbrenner) +0.6069s

6th: Simon Pagenaud (Team Penske) +0.7965s

7th: Oliver Askew (Arrow McLaren SP) +0.8008s

8th: Scott Dixon (Chip Ganassi Racing) +0.9318s

9th: Alex Palou (Dale Coyne Racing Team Goh) +0.9467s

10th: Pato O’Ward (Arrow McLaren SP) +0.9548s