P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The boost was turned up for Friday’s practice running at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with drivers practicing qualifying simulations. Throughout the six-hour long session, nearly all drivers struggled to find a good balance on their Dallara machines. Track temperatures climbed to 138° F during the afternoon hours, the highest ever measured by Firestone since they […]
During Friday’s practice at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, drivers turned up the boost and focused on qualifying simulations, struggling to find a good balance in their Dallara machines.
Track temperatures soared to a record-breaking 138° F, providing challenging conditions for drivers dealing with hot temperatures, gusty winds, faster speeds, and the added weight of the hybrid component.
Nearly half of the drivers abandoned at least one of their four-lap simulation runs due to the treacherous conditions on the 2.5-mile oval throughout the six-hour session.
As the session neared its end, clouds moved in to cool the track, allowing for more representative runs for drivers.
Scott McLaughlin set the fastest single lap at 233.954 MPH, while Scott Dixon posted the fastest four-lap average of 232.366 MPH late in the day.
Despite crashes involving drivers like Kyffin Simpson and Kyle Larson, no major incidents occurred, and a weather front approaching the area promised milder temperatures for Saturday’s crucial qualifying sessions.
