When the NTT IndyCar Series returns to the track this afternoon for qualifying, drivers will have multiple approaches available relating to the series’ new hybrid system.
With the Iowa weekend being a double-header event, a single qualifying session will set the grid for both races on the short oval.
The first timed lap a driver turns will determine the lineup for Saturday night’s race, while the second timed lap will count for Sunday’s finale.
The format is the same in years past, but this year drivers have a new tool that could shake up the order between the two races.
Because the hybrid system boost only has a couple seconds of activation per lap, and recharging the system will take speed away from the cars through energy harvesting, drivers are unlikely to have the full boost available for both timed laps.
“I think you’ll be able to use it as much as you want, it just comes with a price of having to regen again,” explained Lundgaard to MotorsportWeek.com.
“That’s the struggle we all have with the system is that you don’t get that much power, not that [many kilojoules] to really use. This track being a lot shorter than Mid-Ohio, you press the button and drain the battery [quickly].
“When it comes down to qualifying, are you going to use it on the first lap, the second lap, alternate? Are you going to use it on the warmup lap? What are you going to do?
“I think you’re going to see people favor one race over the other in qualifying, so that’s going to be interesting. But with the repave, I also think it’s going to mix things up quite a bit from what it’s been in the past.”
Last year, Will Power was able to sweep both pole positions, setting the fastest time on both of his laps.
A repeat of that feat seems even more unlikely this weekend, considering the trade-offs present while using the hybrid boost system.
The repaved sections of track have proven to be very smooth in the running that was done on Friday, but the second groove was never usable despite efforts to add tire rubber to the upper lane.
That means that qualifying is as important as ever because passing may be at a premium during the race itself.
Qualifying gets underway this afternoon at 2:45 PM central time, with the first race of the weekend taking place in the evening at 7:00 PM.
