Takuma Sato has ended the second practice session of the IndyCar Grand Prix of Alabama fastest, ahead of A.J. Foyt Enterprises team-mate Jack Hawksworth.
After a heavy downpour over the Barber Motorsports Park shortly after the opening practice session of the weekend, the start of the second practice session was delayed slightly to allow the track to dry.
Despite the delay the session began in drying conditions, with veteran Tony Kanaan utilising Firestone’s wet tyres to begin with.
As the session progressed the track continued to dry out, with rookie Alexander Rossi becoming one of the first drivers to opt for the dry tyres.
Behind the A.J. Foyt Enterprises duo of Sato and Hawksworth, James Hinchcliffe ended proceedings third fastest, creating a Honda 1-2-3 at the sharp end of the order.
Will Power ended the session as the fastest Chevrolet-powered driver in fourth position, ahead of Graham Rahal and 2015 race winner Josef Newgarden.
Championship leader Simon Pagenaud came home seventh fastest for Penske, ahead of team-mate Juan Pablo Montoya.
Reigning champion Scott Dixon and Sebastien Bourdais rounded out the top ten, with the latter initially sitting at the top of the timings after an extremely competitive start to the weekend for KVSH Racing.
Further down the order Kanaan finished the session 14th fastest, after his battery issue from the opening practice session was rectified.
Helio Castroneves could only manage 16th fastest for Penske, just ahead of rookie Max Chilton in 17th.
Meanwhile fellow rookies Conor Daly and Alexander Rossi ended the session 18th and 21st respectively, with Rossi producing the initial benchmark at the start of the session on a drying track.
The 21 drivers will return to the Barber Motorsports Park tomorrow for the final practice session, prior to the all-important qualifying session later in the day.
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