Laguna Seca was the setting for IndyCar’s first practice session on Friday afternoon, with the historic track hosting the 28th race of America’s top open wheel series.
Drivers noted even before they took the track that the track surface had aged a lot in the past 12 months, with the smooth shine from the repaving project a couple years ago well and truly gone.
The change meant that grip was at a premium, and tire life is likely to become a problem come race day.
As the session went on, and drivers become more comfortable with how hard they can push, times dropped with each circuit.
Pato O’Ward set the fastest time of all, completing a lap of the famous 2.24-mile course in 1:09.2069
Colton Herta was second quick, with his best lap coming just over one tenth of a second slower.
Third on the time sheets was Marcus Armstrong, followed by the reigning series champion Alex Palou in fourth and Callum llott in fifth.
Both Meyer Shank Racing drivers were locked in early, with Felix Rosenqvist setting the eighth best time just a bit slower than his team-mate.
Team Penske missed the mark a bit, however, with all three drivers 16th or lower on the opening time sheet.
Scott McLaughlin was 16th quickest, followed by Will Power in 17th and Josef Newgarden in 23rd.
Surprisingly, veteran Scott Dixon also struggled. He went off course a couple times and ended the day with the 24th best time.
Pushing the limits
Devlin DeFrancesco was the first driver to bring out a stoppage in the session, as he wrecked his car at the exit of Turn 4.
He pushed the limits a bit too far and got into the gravel, and he could not keep control at that point.
DeFrancesco’s #30 RLL Honda smacked into the concrete wall flat on, which damaged his suspension and prevented him from driving back to the pits.
Alexander Rossi also found trouble during the session, sliding off course in Turn 6 and hitting the tire barriers.
His car bottomed out while going through the tricky corner, which upset the balance and pushed him just wide enough that he could not save it.
Callum Ilott very nearly joined the other two in the wall, but he expertly kept control through the gravel outside Turn 6 and steered his car back to the tarmac.
Josef Newgarden was not able to continue after his spin into the gravel, however, and he was beached at the top of the Corkscrew.
Drivers will turn more laps Saturday morning, ahead of a knockout qualifying session at 11:30 Pacific Time.
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