Preparations for the 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500 got underway at the famous circuit yesterday after six drivers from six different teams undertook tyre and aerodynamic testing.
Recently crowned five-time series champion Scott Dixon along with Will Power, Tony Kanaan, Alexander Rossi, Ed Carpenter and Graham Rahal took to the Brickyard in order to test a new compound of tyre brought by official supplier Firestone – first tested at IMS in August.
The first two hours of the session were dedicated to running the 2019 spec tyres and drivers were happy with the results even after an RPE penetrant had been applied to the track surface in between the tests.
“The ’19 (tire) is much more consistent, it’s much easier to feel what it’s doing, the grip level is up, which we need mechanical grip,” Dixon told IndyCar.com.
“Firestone, to be honest, has done a very, very good job.”
The following four hours were set for running in a pack while testing out new wings and tyres as well as settings on the cars, this was in order to try and improve how the revised DW12 superspeedway aerokit behaves in traffic.
There was some criticism after the 2018 edition of the Indy 500 after drivers found it difficult to follow each other closely when the trimmed out aerokit made its debut at the event.
“The 2019 options – tire and aero – that we came here with were certainly a step better than last year, so that’s obviously a positive thing,” commented Rossi.
“How that equates in May, when ambient and track temperatures are a lot different, is going to be a mystery for all of us. But something good now won’t be bad (in May), it just won’t be as good.
“Everyone’s working hard to make sure that the 103rd Running is definitely kind of more of what we’re used to and something that all the teams, drivers and fans can be happy with."
Winner of the 2018 event Will Power added: “It was actually fun, easy to follow (other cars in traffic) and I was enjoying myself there.
"I kind of wanted to keep going. It’s good to get a bit of offseason practice in for the 500."
“I can’t wait to come back here and defend the crown. Both crowns – the road course and the 500. I love driving into this place, man. Just love it, love it.”
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